Irish Defence Forces not properly resourced to combat terrorist threats due to cuts

Defence Forces personnel are not properly resourced to meet terrorist threats due to cuts in manpower levels, a lack of jet aircraft, and a bomb squad operating at only 50% strength.

The revelation comes as a fresh wave of panic sweeps through Europe — Germany’s soccer match with the Netherlands was called off just hours before kick-off last night due to security fears at a stadium in Hannover, while authorities also decided to postpone Munster’s Champions Cup visit to Stade Français in Paris this Sunday.

In the aftermath of last week’s bloody terrorist attack in Paris, which claimed 129 lives, the risks of a potential extremist attack here, and the resources needed to combat it, will be on the agenda when RACO (Representative Association of Commissioned Officers) begins its biennial conference today in Naas, Co Kildare.