Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 4

Written Answers. - Naval Service Strength.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

65 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the number of ships in the Naval Service and the number at sea at any given time; the proposals, if any, he has to ensure the recruitment of additional personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20441/99]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The Naval Service is equipped with a total of seven vessels comprising one helicopter carrying vessel, four off shore patrol vessels and two coastal patrol vessels. At any given time there would generally be three or four vessels on patrol. A new fishery protection patrol vessel, the LE Roisin, is currently undergoing acceptance tests and sea trials prior to delivery within the next few weeks. Consideration is also being given to the question of the purchase of another fishery protection vessel similar to the LE Roisin as a replacement for the LE Deirdre which has completed almost 28 years in service.

The ongoing recruitment campaign for enlistment in the Defence Forces, which I have approved, is designed to address any shortfalls in personnel numbers in the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service. To date in 1999, a total of 53 general service recruits have been enlisted in the Naval Service. It is anticipated that the Naval Service will enlist a further significant number of general service recruits in the remainder of 1999 and again in the course of the year 2000 to address manpower shortages.

A special recruitment campaign for general service recruits launched specifically for the Naval Service in September, 1999 has already attracted some 400 enquiries. To date, approximately 100 applicants have been called for interviews which commenced on 11 October, 1999 in Cork, Waterford, Dublin and Athlone. Additionally, 17 apprentices and four radio and radar technicians have been enlisted this year and a number of personnel have transferred from the Air Corps to take up radio radar technician appointments. On 20 September, 1999 eight Naval Service cadets were enlisted and are currently in training in the cadet school, Defence Forces training centre. They will return to the naval base in January 2000. Proposals for the cadet competition for 2000 are currently being finalised by the military authorities.

Two non-commissioned personnel are due to be commissioned as electrical engineer officers on 3 November next and proposals for direct entry competitions for marine engineer officers and watchkeeping officers are at an advanced stage. Vacancies which have arisen at non-commissioned rank are being filled internally by promotion and vacancies created in the lower ranks consequent on these promotions are being filled by the ongoing recruitment process.