Martin Brady
Question:101 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Naval Service; and the plans, if any, for further recruitment in the near future. [24402/98]
Written Answers - Naval Service Strength.
There was a total of 996 personnel in the Naval Service as of 31 October 1998, the latest date for which statistics are available.
Recruitment to the Naval Service is ongoing at present with the aim of enlisting 70 recruits by the end of the year. This is in addition to the 50 recruits enlisted earlier this year. Interviews are taking place for apprenticeships in the Naval Service and interviews will be held shortly for eight radio radar technician positions. Furthermore, nine watchkeeping officers were recently commissioned.
I proposed to maintain a policy of continuous recruitment to the Naval Service.