Jim O'Keeffe
Question:57 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether the Naval Service is adequately equipped, financed and manned to fulfil its functions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26099/99]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Strength.
In recent years considerable sums have been expended under the Defence Vote in updating Naval Service equipment. Total amounts spent on such equipment for the past four years are as follows:
|
1995 |
£4.3m. |
|
1996 |
£4.1m. |
|
1997 |
£10.1m. |
|
1998 |
£15.5m. |
It is estimated that expenditure on Naval Service equipment in 1999 will be similar to that for last year.
The more important developments in relation to the improvement of Naval Service equipment include the placing of a contract for a new fishery protection patrol vessel and the refit of five of the existing seven Naval Service vessels. The new vessel, which cost approximately £22.5 million, has been delivered and will be commissioned on 15 December next. Refits involve replacing and/or refurbishing obsolete or deteriorated equipment and are necessary to extend the operational life of a vessel. Earlier this year a half-life refit ofLE Eithne was completed in the naval dockyard, Haulbowline, at an estimated cost of £2.06 million. In previous years four other vessels –LE Deirdre, LE Emer, LE Aoife and LE Aisling– have been similarly refitted. The LE Orla is being refitted at present and LE Ciara is due to undergo similar refurbishment next year. These refits have been facilitated on a part-cost recoupment basis under the European Union fishery protection programmes.
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 97 general service recruits have been enlisted in the Naval Service. The Naval Service will continue to enlist general service recruits during 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 inquiries. A total of 45 applicants were due to report for enlistment this week. Additionally, 17 apprentices and four radio-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. In September last three Naval Service cadets were commissioned and 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 were commissioned as electrical engineer officers on 3 November last and a direct entry competition for watchkeeping officers was advertised recently. Proposals for a direct entry competition for marine engineer 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.
The Naval Service has recently sought applications from eligible non-commissioned Naval Service personnel to participate in a potential watchkeeping officers course which is due to commence in January 2000. On successful completion of this course these personnel will be appointed as commissioned officers in the Naval Service to fill appointments as watchkeeping officers.
I am satisfied that a fair share of available resources has been allocated to the Naval Service to enable it to discharge effectively the tasks assigned to the service.
I will continue to keep the matter under review in the context of the implementation of the Pricewaterhouse report on the Naval Service.