P. J. Sheehan
Question:32 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Defence if agreement has been reached on crewing levels between his Department and the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4631/00]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Strength.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:36 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent, if any, to which it is proposed to increase the strength of the Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4634/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 36 together.
The present policy of ongoing recruitment for enlistment in the Defence Forces, which I have approved, is designed to address the question of any shortfalls in personnel numbers in the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service and the Air Corps. In January 1999, some 20 general service Army recruits were assigned to the Air Corps. In 1999, a total of 97 general service recruits were enlisted in the Naval Service under the general recruitment campaign. A further recruitment campaign for the Defence Forces in respect of the year 2000 will be launched and advertised shortly.
A special general service recruitment campaign, specifically for the Naval Service, was launched in September 1999 and was successful in attracting some 45 recruits. In addition, 17 apprentices and four radio radar technicians were enlisted in 1999 for the Naval Service. A number of personnel have transferred from the Air Corps to take up radio radar technician appointments in the Naval Service. In September 1999, three Naval Service cadets were commissioned. At the end of September 1999, eight new Naval Service cadets were enlisted and they are currently in training in the cadet school, Naval Base, Haulbowline. The cadet competition for year 2000 was only recently advertised and has again elicited a good public response. This competition will provide another intake of cadets for both the Naval Service and the Air Corps this autumn.
In September 1999, 15 avionics apprentices commenced training with the Air Corps. In July 1999, seven Air Corps cadets were commissioned as pilots and in September 1999 a further 13 new Air Corps cadets were enlisted and they are currently in training in the Cadet School, Defence Force Training Centre. They are due return to Baldonnel in June 2000 to commence basic flight training. An earlier class of 11 Air Corps cadets are already undergoing flight training at Baldonnel.
Two non-commissioned personnel were commissioned as Naval Service electrical engineer officers in November last. A direct entry competition for Naval Service watchkeeping officers was advertised recently and interviews have commenced. Proposals for a direct entry competition for marine engineer officers later this year are under consideration at present. 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.
Last year, the Naval Service sought applications from eligible non-commissioned Naval Service personnel who wished to be considered for participation in a potential watchkeeping officers course this year. On successful completion of this course, participating personnel will be appointed as commissioned officers in the Naval Service to fill appointments as watchkeeping officers.
The precise crewing level for the new vesselLE Róisín has not yet been decided. In order to assess the crewing level required for the new vessel, full regard will be paid to and full advantage extracted from the new technology incorporated in the vessel, given what it offers in terms of automation and labour savings. This process of assessment is being undertaken now that the vessel has been delivered and the Naval Service has an opportunity to train personnel in its operation. However, the crew for the new vessel will be met from the overall authorised strength of the Naval Service of 1144.