asked the Minister for Defence the number of engineering officers in the Naval Service; the number of these who hold 1st Class certificates (equivalent chief engineer in Merchant Marine); of the six naval vessels how many have engineering officers, and if in view of the fact that ships can stay in commission only if there are sufficient engineering officers to maintain them the provisions, if any, being made to ensure a sufficient number being available before the engineering cadets are qualified officer has been assigned to LE Aoife and, if so, if he is in attendance at Verolme Shipyard during construction.
Written Answers. - Naval Service.
261.
There are seven marine engineers in the Naval Service of whom two hold 1st class certificates of competency.
An engineer officer is assigned to each of the two fishery protection vessels, LE Deirdre and LE Emer, as well as to the training vessel LE Setanta. An engineer officer has also been assigned to LE Aoife and is in attendance at Verolme Shipyard during construction of the vessel. These are the only vessels for which an engineering officer is provided in establishments.
Efforts to attract additional engineers to the service are continuing and in this regard proposals for further improvements in the conditions of service of such officers are under active consideration.