Defence warning: ‘Matter of time’ before accidents over fatigue
DEFENCE Forces experts and retired officials have warned it is only a matter of time before a staffing and pay crisis leads to soldiers being involved in serious accidents because of fatigue.
They say persistent downgrading of the forces will also lead to insufficient capabilities to deal with critical incidents.
Retired Brigadier General Ger Aherne hit out at the Government last night while former soldier and security analyst Declan Power said it was only a matter of time before fatigued soldiers became involved in a serious incident.
Mr Power said he was concerned about how “fatigue” will affect how soldiers are able to carry out their work. “Wear and tear [has an impact] – if you have more duties and this constant stacking up of routine duties because there aren’t bodies and the people in rank,” he said.
Veterans and families and friends of serving members marched to the Dáil in protest for better pay and conditions.
Shelly Cotter, from Cobh, Co Cork, said families have had enough of the current conditions. Ms Cotter has a husband and son, both in the Naval Service. “If the pay is bad, then there is absolutely nothing to keep their families supported,” Ms Cotter said. “They can’t say anything, they’re contracted not to say anything, so the way they’re speaking is their feet on the street and leaving.”