Defence Forces fear new exemptions will keep members working excessive hours

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Coveney (centre) with (left to right) Bob Flynn from Offaly, Shannon Reid from Kildare, Marion O’Donohoe from Laois and Niall Twomey from Cork at the presentation of Civil Defence Covid-19 medals at Croke Park in Dublin to honour volunteers for their efforts during the pandemic. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Concerns have been raised that 13 exemptions sought by military management along with the introduction of the Working Time Directive for the Defence Forces will still leave soldiers, sailors and aircrews working excessive hours.

The RACO conference heard a member of the navy describe how in one year he worked 320 days onboard a ship, while a member of the army said it wasn’t unusual for him and colleagues to work 70 hours a week.