Written Answers. - Naval Service Strength.
Tom Enright
Question:
25
Mr. Enright
asked the
Minister for Defence
the authorised strength of bridge watchkeeping officers below the rank of lieutenant commander in the new Naval Service organisation; the strength of such officers as at 31 May 2001; the reason for the deficiency; the impact the deficiency is having on the seagoing operations of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[17637/01]
Alan Shatter
Question:
88
Mr. Shatter
asked the
Minister for Defence
the authorised strength of bridge watchkeeping officers below the rank of lieutenant commander in the new Naval Service organisation; the actual strength of such officers as at 31 May 2001; the reason for the deficiency; the impact the deficiency is having on the seagoing operations of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[17657/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 88 together.
As of 31 May 2001 the establishment for bridge watchkeeping officers, below the rank of lieuten ant commander is 89. Bridge watchkeeping officers are officers with a naval watchkeeping certificate, NWC. The military authorities have advised that the current overall strength of bridge watchkeeping officers is 36. There are an additional nine naval watchkeeping cadets in training, and a further eight enlisted personnel due to complete their NWC training in September this year when they will be commissioned as officers in the Naval Service. A further such course for enlisted personnel is due to start immediately after the current course has finished. It is proposed to offer ten places on this course.
The shortage of bridge watchkeeping officers is mainly due to the upturn in the economy which has greatly increased the range of opportunities available, not only to school-leavers, but most importantly the range of alternative employment opportunities in civilian life for young serving officers.
At present, the number of early retirements of Naval Service lieutenants is higher than can be offset by annual cadet intakes alone. The expansion of the coastguard and openings in the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources has also had an adverse impact in this area. Of 28 officers who retired early, 15 entered the semi-State sector, where the excellent and unique training provided by the Naval Service continues to be put to good use in the service of the State. Fishery protection activity accounts for more than 90% of all Naval Service patrol time. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels may be deployed to other duties such as search and rescue, aid to the civil power, drug interdiction operations and assistance with pollution control. Since the establishment of the joint task force involving the Garda, the Customs Service and the Naval Service, the Naval Service has been involved in the following number of operations per year; 1996, one; 1997, three; 1998, 12; 1999, 11 and 2000, 16.
Question No. 26 answered with Question No. 24.
