Defence Forces pay 1916 commemoration uniform bills from own funds

Members of the Defence Forces attending 1916 ceremonial commemorations throughout the year may have to pay for dry-cleaning uniforms and polishing boots out of their own pockets.

PDForra — the organisation which represents 8,200 enlisted men in the Army, Naval Service, and Air Corps — estimate rank and file members spend nearly €3m a year on dry-cleaning, shoe polish, and other sundries necessary for their work.

PDForra is still awaiting a decision on a claim it lodged with the Revenue Commissioners in December 2014 to have the expenses legitimately recognised, estimating that each serviceman has to pay out €300 a year on dry-cleaning.