![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/idf.jpg\")
The level of anger and frustration within the Defense Forces is \u201cextraordinary\u201d, it has been claimed.<\/p>\nThe level of anger and frustration within the Defense Forces is \u201cextraordinary\u201d, it has been claimed.<\/p>\n
Miche\u00e1l Martin made the comments after the former head of the Army Ranger Wing heavily criticized government policies, poor pay and retention issues within the Defense Forces.<\/p>\n
Retired Commandant Cathal Berry claimed the Defense Forces are being \u201cdismantled and demoralized\u201d, adding that the betrayal is \u201cpalpable\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Fianna F\u00e1il leader told the D\u00e1il on Wednesday that this level of criticism is \u201cunprecedented\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe depth of anger, frustration and despair and sense of betrayal within our military families and communities is at an extraordinary level,\u201d Mr Martin said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFamilies who generationally have contributed so much to our democracy, our peace-keeping overseas, and have such pride in the history of our Defense Forces cannot comprehend what is actually happening to them.<\/p>\n
The lack of morale, the retention crisis in the Army and Navy has reduced its capacity and strength to an all-time low<\/p>\n
He claimed that Navy ships have been unable to sail because of a lack of crew, and that up to 50 sailors have been forced to sleep on board naval ships because they cannot afford \u201csoaring\u201d rents.<\/p>\n
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar admitted that Mr Berry\u2019s comments were a stinging criticism.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes government needs to hear criticism and sometimes the government needs to take it on board,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Speaking during leaders\u2019 questions he claimed that hundreds of new people are being recruited into the Defense Forces every year but said there is a \u201creal problem\u201d with retention.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore people are leaving than coming in and that\u2019s something that I have acknowledged in the past,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year, we are investing an extra 50 million euro in our defense forces.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going into new vessels, new aircraft, new equipment, better and improved barracks and also improved pay and pensions for the defense forces and retired members.\u201d<\/p>\n
Figures show there are just over 8,900 members of the Defense Forces.<\/p>\n
Mr Varadkar said that a report by the Independent Pay Commission has looked at issues around pay and conditions.<\/p>\n
The report is expected to be published in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are serious about responding to the retention difficulties that we have in our Defense Forces,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin said the issue ran \u201cfar deeper\u201d than the public service commission adding that people are leaving the Army \u201cin their droves\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need strong, proud, healthy and dynamic Defense Forces where morale is high and personnel are attracted to stay,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is at a very dangerous level. I have spoken to officers and they are at pains to point out how dangerous this is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Varadkar said they are tied to the public sector pay agreement and that any pay increases would apply to the Defense Forces.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are part of the public sector deal and that means full restoration of the pay for almost everyone in the Defense Forces by October of next year,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe accept there are particular issues that are particular to the Defense Forces.\u201d<\/p>\n