asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the current strength of the Navy from the point of view of fishery protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Navy Strength.
23.
It is intended that 100 recruits will be enlisted in the Naval Service early in 1990 as part of the recently announced intake of recruits for the Permanent Defence Force. I am satisfied that this will ensure that there is adequate personnel available for the Naval Service to effectively discharge their functions.
Now that we have installed very hi-tech equipment on our ships and trained people to use it, is the Minister satisfied that we have the personnel to operate it? If extra people are taken on, will they also be qualified to operate the equipment?
We will have enough people, and we will be recruiting 40 of the 100 personnel required as early as next January for many of the purposes envisaged by the Deputy. A further 60 recruits will enlist in March 1990. This will be a great opportunity to recruit people with hi-tech skills that can be developed further in the very advanced marine technological facilities on these boats. Indeed, they are the best in the world and the Deputy is right to emphasise that aspect.