Military officers criticise low pay for soldiers on dangerous UN peacekeeping missions [Video]

MILITARY OFFICERS ARE to call for an increase in pay for soldiers on dangerous overseas missions.

The annual conference of the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) begins today in Carlow. 

RACO elected representatives will debate 28 motions covering issues ranging from inadequate pensions and the Working Time Directive to concerns around overseas deployments as well as allowances and training.

Lieutenant Colonel Conor King, General Secretary of the group said that the Defence Forces is struggling to meet its obligations on overseas duties. 

“The situation has become so challenging that mandatory assignments, rather than voluntary deployments, are becoming the norm. This shift, coupled with the understaffing in operational units, has significantly increased the risk to those deployed, and to those left behind in these units.”

The group are looking for an increase in the Peace Support Allowance which is paid to military personnel. 

King said this has been a measure …