Troops miss out on usual forms of compensation

Wronged members of the Defence Forces are no longer being compensated because of the impact of the recession, according to the Defence Ombudsman.

Paulyn Marrinan Quinn SC said soldiers, sailors, and pilots who have been wrongly treated have to settle for “vindication” because the traditional methods of compensation — such as courses and overseas duties — were simply no longer available.

The ombudsman said that previously, if she found someone had been wrongly refused a career course — crucial in the Defence Forces for promotion — she would recommend that they get the next course.