146k leave days lost in Defence Forces

Soldiers, sailors and aircrews lost a combined 146,000 days annual leave in the last five years, primarily because reduced numbers in the Defence Forces meant they had to plug gaps.

PDForra, which represents enlisted personnel in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps estimate that saved the Department of Defence anything between €17m-€22m.

The association’s general secretary, Gerry Guinan, said shortages in personnel mean bomb disposal officers are working an average of 76 hours a week, while NCOs are doing 56 hour/weeks and drivers anything up to 60 hours per week.