Defence Forces: Cutbacks hitting ability to defend security of State

It’s been claimed that due to a raft of cuts, the military can’t defend the security of the State to the same extent it did five years ago and would be under pressure to cope if the threat from subversives increases.

The claim was made yesterday by the general secretary of PDFORRA, the representative organisation for 8,000 rank-and-file members of the army, naval service and air corps.

Gerry Rooney said only a few years ago the Defence Forces’ strength was at 12,700, but has been cut by almost 25% to 8,900 — which is below the agreed minimum level of 9,500.