The Chief of Staff of the Army has strongly criticised the Defence Forces staff association, PDFORRA, saying he was "gobsmacked" the association had aired allegations of bullying through the media rather than first raising the matter with him.
Lieut Gen Jim Sreenan also said that foremost on the agenda for the Defence Forces was "the development of a capability to deal with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents either at home or abroad".
On bullying, the Chief of Staff said he was "dismayed, saddened and gobsmacked" by PDFORRA's decision to raise it at its annual conference with the national media present. He had always adopted an "open-door policy" with regard to PDFORRA concerns and was "a little bit angry" that the association sought to debate the issue through the media.
He urged the association to "reflect" and move forward with him in partnership to work through any difficulties which may arise.
Lieut Gen Sreenan was speaking to PDFORRA delegates at the third and final day of its conference in Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
He said he had met PDFORRA's general secretary, Mr Gerry Rooney, just two weeks ago and many of the allegations which came to light at the conference were not raised.
Mr Rooney said it would be "naïve" of the Chief of Staff to think every issue PDFORRA planned to highlight at its conference would be signalled in advance.
Earlier, PDFORRA had said when one soldier recently made an allegation of bullying, which was subsequently not proven, he was charged with making a false claim and is now facing court-martial.
The association also alleged that when one of its members attempted to intervene in an industrial relations issue, an officer who wished to "get back at him" charged him with minor offences which were later dropped.
The Chief of Staff told delegates that international operations were now "at the core" of Defence Forces roles and functions and that "everyone will be required to serve overseas about every three years". Volunteers would be used at first but mandatory selection might also be put into action. The Army was also moving towards a situation where reservists would be used in overseas missions.
Earlier PDFORRA's vice-president, Mr Andy Mackin, said the use of reservists might lead to a situation where Irish units overseas would not be trained to the same standards. He added that many full-time members feared their opportunity to serve overseas would be compromised if a "political decision" was taken to send reservists. He urged greater investment in riot gear for soldiers, who did not have adequate kit during recent May Day events and President Bush's visit.
