The Government is reaping the harvest it sowed when it ignored a crisis in the Defence Forces caused by falling numbers, declining morale and poor pay and conditions. In the meantime, additional Air Corps personnel will be trained and progress made on the introduction of a special retention bonus for pilots. For so long as funding for these vital services remains inadequate, unanticipated risks and threats are certain to developThis has all the elements of a sticking plaster solution. Following an increase in allowances for all branches of the Defence Forces earlier this year, poor basic pay remains a burning issue. For so long as funding for these vital services remains inadequate, unanticipated risks and threats are certain to develop.

Source: The Irish Times November 19, 2019 00:00 UTC