Defence Forces in the dock as 10 test cases taken over 'excessive' hours worked 

This is the first time Raco (Representative Association for Commissioned Officers) has mounted a legal challenge under the terms of the EU legislation, citing many officers are working '60, 70 and 80 hours a week'.

The association representing Defence Forces officers is taking 10 test cases of alleged breaches of the Working Time Directive (WTD) to the High Court, having failed to secure engagement from military management and the Department of Defence on the implementation of this health and safety legislation.

This is the first time Raco (Representative Association for Commissioned Officers) has mounted a legal challenge under the terms of the EU legislation, citing many officers are working “60, 70 and 80 hours a week”.