Government must explain gap between €3bn defence promise and cuts to Defence Forces
Government must explain gap between €3bn defence promise and cuts to Defence Forces - The Labour Party
Labour Defence spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has accused the Government of talking out of both sides of their mouth when it comes to funding the Defence Forces, following reports of multi-million cuts by the Department of Defence.
Deputy Smith said:
“In the same week we have reports of a planned doubling of the Defence budget, we learn of millions in cuts being sanctioned by this government. The members of our Defence Forces deserve answers, is this a government that backs them, or a government that picks their pockets at every opportunity.
“Delaying a programme to fit naval ships with air search radars to detect airborne threats, in the current global climate shows a lack of respect to the brave men and women who serve this country. Fundamentally, this is a decision that puts lives at risk.
“It is no wonder that recruitment for our Defence Forces continues to miss targets, when it is clear for any would be recruit, that when the Department for Public Expenditure needs more money, their pockets will be a first port of call.
“For all the governments bluster about potential Defence funding, at Defence Committee last week RACO spoke about the reality of what this government has to offer, defence on a shoestring.
“Talk from government has been cheap, but not as cheap as their commitment to funding our Defence Forces properly.
“The can cannot be kicked down the road any longer. Labour is calling on the government to reverse these cuts and deliver for the members of our Defence Forces in the Budget.”