Sir, – The state of the Defence Forces, as highlighted by your recent news item on the inability of the Naval Service to put to sea due to a shortage of crews (October 2nd), and your editorial (October 4th), is a matter for which the Taoiseach is fully responsible as he is the Minister for Defence.
Recruitment and retention of trained service personnel are vital for the military effectiveness of any volunteer armed forces, such as those maintained by Ireland.
The problems of retention of skilled personnel are not unique to Ireland and can usually be solved by improved pay and conditions for those who serve, as well as interesting overseas service.
The solution to these problems lies in the gift of the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar.
None of this is surprising considering the unrealistically small military budget of 0.7 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), and that figure includes the pensions vote too.
Unless the Taoiseach listens to the advice tendered, I have no doubt, by his senior military commanders and advisers, and acts upon that advice, then I can only see these unsolved problems getting worse. – Yours, etc,
CHRISTOPHER
DORMAN-O’GOWAN,
Cramlington,
Northumberland, England.
Sir, – The assertion laid out in your editorial (October 4th) about members of the Defence Forces availing of the working family payment (WFP and formerly known as family income supplement) is inaccurate.
WFP is a weekly tax-free payment available to employees with children. It is assessed based on family income and number of children.
You reference that 1,760 members of the Defence Forces are claiming WFP.
The most recent figures from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection show that 145 Department of Defence military and civilian employees (categorised as 87 NCOs and other ranks, one ship/aircraft officer, 53 public servants, and four others) are in receipt of such payments. – Yours, etc,
A NÍ AODHA,
Department of Defence
Press Office,
Newbridge, Co Kildare.