Army chief hits back at bullying allegations

THE head of the Defence Forces gave soldier representatives a dressing down yesterday for raising serious allegations for the “first time” in the media.

Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Jim Sreenan told delegates at their annual conference he was “gob-smacked” when he read coverage of the claims.

“It would be an understatement to say I was a bit dismayed, saddened and a little bit angry with the public airing of your views,” he said.

General Sreenan was addressing the delegate conference of PDFORRA, which represents soldiers, sailors and aircrew in Letterkenny, Co Donegal.

He was particularly annoyed with claims that elements of the military were trying to suppress bullying complaints by disciplining a local representative for making a false complaint.

“It’s the first I’ve heard of that. I’m quite frankly gob-smacked by it.”

He said he held monthly meetings with the PDFORRA general secretary Gerry Rooney over the past two years and had not heard of this or many of the other claims.

“I will be meeting him. I would like to hear some backing up of that statement.”

He said his position was very clear on bullying. “There is no place for anyone who condones it, conceals it or connives with it.”

“The issue of bullying will not be addressed by spasmodic outbursts in the media,” he said.

The chief responded to claims from PDFORRA that 13 soldiers in Donegal with 20 years’ service were being threatened with dismissal because they were not able to take part in military exercises.

He said in many of these cases the soldiers were either absent for lengthy periods or not able to perform armed duties, such as exercises. He said local management were right to inform these people this could not continue.

Gen Sreenan also said he was “bemused” by a new PDFORRA policy expressing concern at a management decision to allow the Reserve Defence Force take part in overseas duties.

He also firmly rejected calls to keep the volunteer principle regarding overseas duties. “The burden must be shared and none of us can shirk our responsibilities. We are moving to a situation where everyone will be required to serve overseas about every three years.”

Responding to PDFORRA calls for better public order equipment he said they would buy the equipment if needed.

After the speech, PDFORRA’s Gerry Rooney said six of the seven issues aired in the media had been raised internally with military authorities.