The equivalent of a soldier’s annual salary was splashed on redecorating an army training school.
The pricey painting has been dubbed a “blatant waste of taxpayers’ money” by protesters demanding a pay increase for cash-strapped troops.
Retired Sgt Maj Noel O’Callaghan said: “This painting is an appalling waste of tax money.
“They’ll also tell you a recruit is on €27,000 a year.
“But he actually takes home about €21,000 after all of the deductions. And they owe the rangers that they are sending to Mali €30,000 each.”
A spokesman for the Defence Forces said: “Renovation works at the UN Training School Ireland were undertaken.
“The contract was for the complete redecoration of the building together with all entrance doors and external steel work. The value of the contract award was €23,090 plus VAT, total price €26,207.15. The contractor was Athmoyle Contractors Ltd, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, and the work was completed in May 2017.”
The starting pay for a newly-qualified three star private is €27,759 gross annually.
