Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieut Gen Conor O’Boyle has said he was surprised at Pdforra’s suggestion this week that some soldiers were sleeping in their cars at barracks because they did not have the money for the fuel needed to drive home and back the following morning.
He said anyone sleeping in their car should bring it to the attention of the chain of command and accommodation would be provided for them in their barracks.
Minister for Defence Simon Coveney said he planned to establish the full facts.
“If people are sleeping in their cars, I am very uncomfortable with that and it shouldn’t be happening.
“I would encourage any soldier that has had to sleep in his or her car to talk to the officer in charge in the barracks they’re working in. We do have accommodation . . .
“If there’s one thing the Defence Forces do very well it’s they stick together, they work together and they look after each other.”
