Bernard Allen
Question:34 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the way in which he will deal with the staffing crisis in the Naval Service. [16594/99]
Other Questions. - Defence Forces Recruitment.
Alan M. Dukes
Question:53 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Defence the way in which he will deal with the staffing crisis in the Naval Service. [16770/99]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:78 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the reason members of the Naval Service have been retiring or resigning in recent years. [16529/99]
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:102 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the way in which he will deal with the staffing crisis in the Naval Service. [16812/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 53, 78 and 102 together.
The ongoing recruitment campaign for enlistment in the Defence Forces, which I have approved, is designed to address any shortfall in personnel in the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service. Some 65 positions within the first intake of general service recruits in March-April have been allocated to the Naval Service. There will be a second such enlistment intake of general service recruits in September-October. Some 17 apprentices and four radio and radar technicians have been enlisted this year. Some 14 cadets will be recruited for the Naval Service from the 1999 cadet competition. The vast majority of technical staff vacancies which have arisen have been filled internally by promotion. Vacancies created in lower ranks consequent on these promotions will be filled by the ongoing recruitment programme.
The Minister said that the vast majority of the technical staff vacancies which have arisen have been filled internally by promotion. How many remain to be filled? Is it true that the Naval Service is under pressure to find senior staff with the required high level of expertise such as electrical engineers?
There was major recruitment into the Naval Service in the late 1970s. Personnel are now entitled to leave on pension. The opportunities for employment outside the service have improved dramatically. This places pressure on us to find senior technical staff. The recruitment programme will help, although it takes time to train personnel. Approximately 135 personnel will be recruited this year. Some 21 personnel were recruited in 1996 and 60 in 1995. There is ground to be made up. I cannot deny that there are difficulties but we have to look on this as a challenge rather than anything else.
The problem is serious.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.