The representative body for members of the Defence Forces has told Shannonside FM that the Government should focus on paying the members they already have before recruiting new ones.
PD FORRA is holding its annual conference in Donegal this week and the Minister of Defence is set to address the gathering today.
Custume Barracks in Athlone is the posting for 100s of soldiers in the Shannonside region, with the installation previously suggested as a possible choice for new Army Headquarters.
An extra 67 million euro was allocated for defence measures in Budget 2023 with 400 members of the Permanent Defence Forces set to be recruited next year.
Speaking to Shannonside FM news, PD FORRA General Secretary Ger Guinan says the issue of personal contracts for members must be addressed.
"It's been highlighted by Shannonside on multiple occasions that the contract terms for personnel weren't fit for purpose. At the moment we have a situation where sergeants, who have served loyally for the state for in excess of 30 years in some cases, are potentially facing discharge on the 31st of December this year and PD FORRA are seeking for the current age restriction, which is 50, extended beyond that".
