In September 2018, the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCOIreland) released a Statement of Concern on the serious deterioration of the service conditions, and the depletion of strategic defence capabilities in the Defence Forces. Link to Statement of Concern.
ARCOIreland’s stated position on these significant issues remains relevant. Of particular concern to ARCOIreland, is the inordinate delay in addressing the adverse effects of inadequate remuneration accruing to our serving colleagues in Óglaigh na hÉireann.
In addition, ARCOIreland remains deeply concerned with the manner in which the retention challenges, across all ranks, within the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, are being addressed.
Likewise, ARCOIreland is fully aware of the deteriorating living and welfare standards endured by families of serving personnel, dependent spouses and children, and, in some cases, retired single personnel.
Following the dignified September Respect and Loyalty Parade, a similar parade is taking place in Cork, on Saturday, 4th May, 2019.
According to the organisers, the key objective of the parade is to publicly highlight the unsatisfactory pay, and service conditions, pertaining to personnel of the Defence Forces.
In the context of the above key objective, as retired commissioned officers, in solidarity with serving commissioned officers, enlisted personnel, and their respective families, and acknowledging the endeavours of the General Staff along with the Representative Associations RACO and PDFORRA, the Executive Committee now encourages ARCOIreland’s membership to actively support the Respect and Loyalty Parade in Cork.
Assembling in the Grand Parade at 1130hrs, the components of the parade are a Colour Party, IUNVA Pipe Band, IUNVA Body, Family Body and Veterans’ Body. The main elements of the parade include a wreath laying ceremony, a parade through the City, followed by a key note address delivered by Lieutenant-Colonel Dan Harvey (Retd).
ARCOIreland will revisit its Statement of Concern following the publication of the recommendations of the Public Service Pay Commission on Defence Forces remuneration.
Executive Committee
29 April 2019
