Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 6

Written Answers. - Naval Service Vessels.

Enda Kenny

Question:

156 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if agreement has been reached on crewing levels between his Department and the Naval Service; the current limitations on naval patrols as a result of watchkeeper shortages; the action, if any, he will take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8878/00]

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

196 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the effect, if any, on naval operations in view of the fact that up to five ships of the Naval Service are currently operating with only two watchkeeping officers; and the measures, if any, he has taken to improve the retention of the remaining watchkeeping officers who in the past have been leaving at an unprecedented level. [8930/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 196 together.

The precise crewing level for the new vessel LE Roisín 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 1,144. The process of formulating the crewing level is ongoing and agreement on the matter is expected in the near future.

The Naval Service authorities advise that their current operational commitments are being met. Seven of the eight Naval Service vessels are oper ational and the eighth is currently undergoing a scheduled refit.

There are currently 12 cadets and eight officers undergoing training for watchkeeping certificates. In addition, nine non-commissioned personnel have recently started a course with a view to being commissioned as watchkeeping officers. A direct entry competition for watchkeeping officers is also under way and assessment of applications is nearing conclusion.

Additionally, to address the general officer shortages in the Naval Service, proposals are being prepared by the Naval Service for a scheme to promote senior non-commissioned personnel to commissioned rank. The cadet competition for this year is also under way and it is anticipated that 16 Naval Service cadetships will be offered.

Two non-commissioned personnel were commissioned as Naval Service electrical engineer officers in November last. Proposals for a direct entry competition for marine engineer officers later this year are under consideration. 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 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. In 1999, a total of 97 general service recruits were enlisted in the Naval Service under the general recruitment campaign. A further general service recruitment campaign for the Defence Forces in respect of the year 2000 will be launched and advertised shortly.