THE voluntary redundancy scheme in the Defence Forces has led to worry, uncertainty and "an all time low" in morale, the staff association for non commissioned ranks heard yesterday.
Mr Jim Brady, president of the Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) said uncertainty about conditions was also affecting soldiers' commitment to the service.
"Morale in the Defence Forces is at an all time low. There is great uncertainty. People are worried. They are asking questions.
"Morale means having confidence in what you are doing, confidence in your leaders and confidence in the direction you are going in.
"Morale means being enthusiastic about your work. The vast majority of PDFORRA members have no confidence in where the Defence Forces are being led, no enthusiasm for their work."
He added: "People are reluctant to go on UN duty because of these worries. And that is not good enough. It is not good for the development of skills and experience. Troops are not just tired of going to Lebanon, they are worried about their jobs at home regardless of where their missions bring them."
Mr Brady also said soldiers serving in the Border were being forced to serve up to 72 hours a week to provide cover for the BSE roadblocks.