Soldiers on security duty on the Border were unable to eat Army rations put before them because the food was inedible, it was claimed at the High Court yesterday.
The Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) also alleged that soldiers were refused subsistence allowances mainly because of Government cutbacks.
In judicial review proceedings against the State, PDFORRA is seeking declarations that its members are entitled to claim subsistence allowances when absent from their barracks.
The action, before Mr Justice Geoghegan, has been taken on behalf of 69 soldiers, including Cpl Gerry Martyn (40), of Pineridge, Balbriggan, Co Dublin.
In court yesterday Mr Padraic O'Higgins SC, for PDFORRA, said cutbacks in 1991 came "out of the blue". Soldiers were told that if they received rations, they were not entitled to subsistence allowances. They claimed they were entitled to such allowances independent of getting rations.
Mr O'Higgins said Cpl Martyn moved from Gormanston Army camp to Monaghan barracks. He would be sent to "the wilds", a location over five miles from Monaghan, to back up gardai doing checkpoint duties.
He said the evidence would be that no proper rations were provided, and Cpl Martyn had to buy soup and sandwiches, a camping gas cooker and thermal socks and underwear.
When food arrived at the Border, it was in such a state that by and large it was inedible, and the men had to rely on food they bought themselves. For those on night shifts no food was provided in the early stages of the Border operation, counsel said.
Cpl Martyn was claiming he was owed £450. The total claim was for less than £100,000.
The hearing continues.