Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Mar 1991

Vol. 406 No. 5

Written Answers. - Naval Vessels.

Gerry O'Sullivan

Question:

39 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the up to date position in relation to Naval vessels on fishery protection; the condition of these vessels; the frequency of their patrols; and if there are adequate personnel to crew these boats.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Daly)

The Naval Service have seven patrol vessels all of which are operational and fully seaworthy for the conditions under which they are required to operate.

For operational and security reasons it would be undesirable to disclose information on the frequency of Naval Service patrols.

I am satisfied that the manpower and resources available are adequate to enable the Naval Service to effectively discharge their functions. In this regard 146 general recruits were enlisted in 1990 in addition to ten Naval Service technicians and two electrical engineer officers.