Subsidised bars that sell cheap alcohol to Irish Defence Forces personnel have received Government subvention of more than €865,000 in the past three years.
The private bars — based in army barracks across the country — sell pints for as little as €2.60, while spirits such as vodka and gin cost just €1.80.
Records released under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed that €865,707 of taxpayers’ money was used to fund the network of discount watering holes between 2012 and 2014.
The use of public funds to provide cheap alcohol to troops at a time when some are struggling to pass mandatory fitness tests has been criticised by TDs.
“Our army personnel need to be in peak physical condition,” Fianna Fáil’s Colm Keaveney said.
“We have seen instances where recruits have been forced to retire because they fail fitness tests, and yet we are spending large amounts of money to supply our troops with cheap booze.”
Under Defence Forces regulations, the Defence Forces Canteen Board is responsible for the supervision and financial control of bars located in 42 army messes around the country.
Documents released by the Irish Defence Forces show the canteen board received grants from the Department of Defence of €485,000 in 2012 and €338,000 in 2013.
Source: Darragh Mc Donagh, Irish Examiner, 14/12/15
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