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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 1983

Vol. 339 No. 4

Written Answers. - Naval Service.

471.

asked the Minister for Defence the personnel strength of the Naval Service on 1 January 1983; and how that compares with 1 January 1982 and 1981.

The strengths of the components of the Defence Forces are compiled on the last day of each month. The strength of the Naval Service on 31 December 1980, 31 December 1981 and 31 December 1982 are furnished hereunder.

Date

Officers

Other Ranks

Total

31 December 1980

88

774

862

31 December 1981

105

857

962

31 December 1982

118

759

877

472.

asked the Minister for Defence the number of (a) officers and (b) ratings who left the Naval Service in 1982.

The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

Officers

NCO's and Ratings

Total

3

142

145

The figure for officers include those who retired voluntarily or on age grounds. The figures for NCO's and ratings include those who were discharged or transferred to the Reserve Defence Force.

473.

asked the Minister for Defence if a definite order has yet been placed for a new patrol vessel for the Naval Service; and in what details the next patrol vessel will be an improved version of the present one.

On 23 April 1982, a contract was signed with Verolme Cork Dockyard Limited for the construction of a new patrol vessel for the Naval Service. The vessel is of a completely new design and will be fitted with a heli-deck and hangar for the operation of helicopters as a regular feature. The vessel is due for delivery in April, 1984.

Improved performance and enhanced surveillance capability will ensue for the following reasons:—

(i) better sea keeping qualities because of increased length, greater displacement and retractable fins for roll damping in adverse conditions, providing improved conditions for helicopter operations from the ship's flight deck;

(ii) greater cruising range and faster speed due to good length and power/weight ratio;

(iii) better detection range due to higher radar efficiency and

(iv) a more extensive communications fit which will allow for greater co-operation on surveillance missions as between other service vessels and reconnaissance aircraft.

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