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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 7

Written Answers. - Naval Service Vessels.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

113 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Defence the number of vessels available to the Naval Service; the average number at sea at any one time; if adequate numbers are available to staff these vessels; if he will clarify if it is necessary to advertise outside the State as stated by his officials in a press briefing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9052/98]

At present the Naval Service is equipped with a total of seven vessels comprising one helicopter vessel, four off shore patrol vessels and two coastal patrol vessels. At any one time there would generally be three or four vessels on patrol. The question of resources in terms of the personnel and equipment required by the Naval Service to enable it to fulfil its role is kept under continual review. In December 1997 a contract was placed for the supply of a new fishery protection patrol vessel (FPPV) which is due to be delivered in September 1999.

A competition to recruit ten watchkeeping officers to the executive branch of the Naval Service was advertised last March in the national press and in a number of relevant publications in Britain. The advertising of these vacancies in publications outside the State is not unusual given the nature of the posts being filled and the qualifications required. It is likely that a number of professionally qualified candidates who would be interested in these positions may be resident and employed outside Ireland and it is therefore desirable to make such potential candidates aware of the vacancies in question.

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