asked the Minister for Defence the exact training being done by the Naval Service since Spike Island reopened as a prison; the location of the present training; if he is satisfied with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Naval Service Training.
15.
Following the handover of Spike Island to the Department of Justice, Naval Service training, which had been conducted at that location, was transferred to Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, and to the Naval Base, Haulbow-line. This is considered a satisfactory interim measure pending a review of the long term requirements of the service.
Is the Minister satisfied that the Naval Service, which is of such primary importance in guarding our seas, particularly in the fishing area, are now being trained at Ballincollig?
Am I satisfied?
That it is proper that they should be trained at Ballincollig Barracks?
The training that is taking place in Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, is recruit training and the potential NCO course will start there on 1 July 1985. Much of this training does not have to be done in a maritime environment. It can be done satisfactorily in a normal military barracks. I am satisfied that adequate training can be given there. Obviously, it would be desirable that it would all take place within a naval environment, but the facilities available in Murphy Barracks are first-class and I am satisfied that the recruit training and potential NCO course will be up to normal high standards.
Can the Minister give the House any indication of how long Spike Island will be under the control of the Department of Justice, or indeed how long the Naval Service will have to be trained in Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig?
I cannot say how long the Department of Justice will require Spike Island. I am sure that the Deputy will share with me the wish that they will be able to leave that island very shortly. We shall have to monitor the situation over the next number of months to see how it is likely to develop. We shall be reviewing the entire Naval Service training facilities in the light of that monitoring.
Is the Minister aware that the Naval Service were very dissatisfied with the hasty decision made to relocate them? Has he made any representations or what proposals has he to ensure that all naval training will be done in a maritime environment?
The Naval Service would be too loyal to be dissatisfied with the Government decision with regard to their particular location. I can well understand that they might have been unhappy to vacate Spike Island and to transfer to Murphy Barracks in Ballincollig. I would like to see them back in a maritime environment as quickly as possible.
A final question, please.
Could the Minister indicate to the House whether the fact that the Naval Service have now been relocated will curtail recruitment to that service?
No, it should not.
It will not curtail recruitment?
That concludes Question Time.