Pay deters youth from defence jobs

THERE is a danger that technically talented young people will not be attracted to the Defence Forces because of low pay rates for apprentices, a senior PDFORRA member has warned.

At present, about 200 apprentices receive €190 weekly wages after deductions for food and accommodation.

But, Simon Devereux, deputy general secretary of the PDFORRA — the representative organisation for 9,500 rank and file defence force members — said it was not sufficient payment.