Defence Forces’ body warns cuts will be opposed

“ENOUGH is enough, you can’t get blood from a stone,” the Defence Forces’ association has warned, as details emerge of some soldiers having their homes repossessed.

PDFORRA – the association representing soldiers, sailors and aircrew – said several barrack closures this year had seen facilities shut down at lightning speed, with little notice given to staff.

The president of the association, Willie Webb, has now warned that any pay cuts will be strongly opposed. Members in financial difficulties were already qualifying for family income support while others were having their homes repossessed, he explained.

“Enough is enough, you can’t get blood from a stone. We have contributed as we can afford, we can give no more,” Mr Webb argued.

The income, health and pension levies had already cut an average non-commissioned-officer’s typical salary by €3,600, the association’s conference heard this week.

The association chief added: “Any attempt to introduce further taxes or reductions in our members pay or gratuities will meet with swift and sustained resistance using all legitimate means at this association’s disposal to reverse same.”

Tension between the army and the Government intensified last night amid fears that the Defence Forces face more barrack closures.

As rank and file army members continued to voice their anger over pay cuts, it also emerged soldiers struggling with financial difficulties are having their homes repossessed.

The last budget saw the Government announce the closure of five barracks. Despite meetings and marches to oppose the moves, there were closures at Rockhill and Lifford in Donegal, at Monaghan Military Post and at the Connolly Barracks in Longford. The full closure of St Bricins Military Hospital, Dublin, is expected before the end of the year.

“There is as always concern that further barrack closures can emerge on the Government’s agenda,” warned deputy general secretary Simon Devereaux at the association’s annual conference in Carlow.

The recent Bord Snip Nua report looked at the possibility of closing down the Cathal Brugha Barracks, in Rathmines, Dublin.

PDFORRA vowed yesterday to vigorously oppose such a move.

“This is now the only major barracks in Dublin City, a barracks with a long and proud tradition, which should not be closed,” added Mr Devereaux.