Vol. 418 No. 1
3 Mrs. Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Navy trained marine engineers will not be issued with a certificate of competency by the Department of the Marine; and if he will seek to secure recognition of Naval service sea time for the issuing of the certificate.
I propose to get in touch with the Minister for the Marine in connection with this matter in the next few days.
I thank the Minister for his reply. Will he impress on the Minister for the Marine the tremendous experience, qualifications and expertise which naval officers have in this area? Their work is first class and recognised world-wide and, therefore, certificates of competency should be issued to them in recognition of their work. I also ask the Minister to highlight the inequity in the Department of the Marine in relation to not recognising these officers.
I very much appreciate what the Deputy said about the high qualifications of the officers in question. However, I am puzzled why this question was not addressed to the Minister for the Marine who is the authority in respect of qualifications. It is part of my duty to see that members of the Defence Forces are treated equitably and fairly. I cannot lay down the standards and insist on the Department of the Marine doing anything but, as I said, I will do the best I can.
I know the Minister is anxious to see a professional level within the Defence Forces. Therefore, will he take the initiative by showing the type of interest required in personnel?
I have already promised that.
