Defence Forces defer industrial action decision

The Defence Forces has deferred a decision on whether to take industrial action in protest at job losses in the service.

Delegates at soldiers' organisation PDFORRA voted 42 to 30 to refer the issue to its National Executive Council.

The Defence Forces' group are unhappy at what they claim are broken promises on key elements of the White Paper on defence, particularly the decision earlier this week to reduce by 400 the number of staff in the force.

If the executive council opts for industrial action it will be the first time this arm of the State will have protested in this way.

However, any industrial action will not affect any key services for State security, such as providing armed escorts for cash or prisoners and security at Leinster House and Portlaoise prison.

Earlier this week there were industrial relations problems at the Air Corps based at Finner Camp, Co Donegal.

A number of Air Corps staff said they had been harassed when they pointed out health and safety issues.

Following this a number of the staff reported sick with a mystery illness, greatly limiting the service.