The Defence Forces will stop functioning if pay and conditions are not improved, a Dáil committee has been warned.
The Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) - which represents over 6,500 members of the Defence Forces - has been addressing TDs and senators.
Heads of the organisation have expressed their concerns over reports that some members stand to earn just 96 cent more a day under forthcoming pay proposals.
They also expressed frustration that the publication of the pay review has been delayed, suggesting they will go to the courts if pay and conditions within the Defence Forces aren't significantly improved.
PDFORRA General Secretary Gerard Guinan also claimed the treatment of members who are injured on the job is a 'disgrace'.
Speaking at the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence, Mr Guinan stated: "If these guys fall off that rope or fall out of that chopper and they're injured... what do we do to them?
"Under current regulations, we take their allowance off them after 28 days. It's disgraceful."
Meanwhile, PDFORRA President Mark Keane said some Navy personnel are forced to spend their time off on ships because they can't afford accommodation.
He explained: "They're forced to live where they work.
"We've heard a lot in the media about citizens who can't afford accommodation - our members are citizens in uniform as well. They deserve a place to put their head at night.
"We speak a lot about health and safety and well-being - what about these people's well-being?"
