Sir, – Our Government leaders have been quick to speak out against the issues highlighted in the very recent report of the Independent Review Group led by retired judge Bronagh O’Hanlon. Perhaps they would now address their own abject abuse of the men and women of our Defence Forces through decades of political neglect.
Our Defence Forces have done the country great service. For 50 years they have performed in an exemplary fashion under the United Nations flag and suffered serious casualties in the process.
During the mayhem of the Northern Ireland Troubles, they provided a bulwark of security for the State. On innumerable occasions they have energetically supported the civil power in emergency situations.
It is imperative that steps taken to address the allegations contained in the Hannon report be accompanied with equal vigour by an immediate and substantial Government initiative to shore up morale and strengthen our defence capability.
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Urgent action is required to rectify inadequate pay and conditions for all ranks and the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces published a year ago should be seen to be implemented without delay. Failure to act now will result in a fatal erosion of our defence establishment at the very time of the most threatening international security environment since the Cuban missile crisis. – Yours, etc,
RORY O’MAHONY
Kilkenny.