asked the Minister for Defence the average ratio of navigating officers to marine engineering officers in modern navies, the number of each in the Irish Naval Service and the steps, if any, being taken to recruit further officers.
Written Answers. - Naval Service.
319.
I have no precise information as to the usual ratio of navigation officers to marine engineer officers in modern navies. I understand, however, that it is normally related to the requirements of the particular navy concerned having regard to the equipment and vessels in operation. The strengths of such personnel in the Irish Naval Service is as follows: Navigation Officers 53; Marine Engineer Officers 7.
A total of 29 cadets are undergoing training at present, ten of whom are engineering branch cadets. In addition, my Department are currently advertising vacancies for qualified navigation officers and marine engineer officers on the basis of short-term commissions in the Naval Service.