Vol. 505 No. 2
97 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to shorten the time at sea for members of the Naval Service in order that they can spend more time with their families; the action, if any, he will take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13417/99]
One of the recommendations arising out of the Price Waterhouse review of the Naval Service was the need to provide a two year on-two year off rotation to sea for naval personnel. The Naval Service has recently identified a number of measures which could improve the pattern of rotation, including the introduction of new support and operations structure, branch rationalisation to allow more flexibility in rotating personnel, maximising the number of personnel within the new naval establishment who are available for seagoing duties, multi-skilling of personnel to provide more flexibility in rotations, and the maintenance of agreed personnel strengths through a policy of continuous recruitment.
These proposals are under consideration at present.
