Funds threat to Defence Forces

THE prospects for the Defence Forces next year look very bleak if funding cuts of recent years continue, the Chief of Staff warned.

Spending has been stagnant and the Defence Forces can no longer depend on money from the sale of military barracks and property, said Lieutenant General Jim Sreenan.

Lt Gen Sreenan said he has lobbied for an increase in Defence Force spending. He said Defence Minister Michael Smith has indicated he will mount a serious campaign at Government level before the estimates are drawn up.