Some Defence Forces families 'relying on Family Income Supplements'

The group that represents the Defence Forces says some of its members are now relying on Family Income Supplements to make ends meet because of Government cutbacks.

PDFORRA says many soldiers have seen their pay cut by around €5,000 during the past two years.

As the association's annual delegate conference gets underway in Co Meath today, Deputy General Secretary Simon Devereux said that soldiers cannot take the blame for the high cost of shoring up the toxic banks.

"It’s simply not good enough that these people, or a lot of these people have to depend on Family Income Supplements," he said.

"It’s simply not acceptable. It wouldn’t happen in any other country and it shouldn’t be happening in this country either."