Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004
59 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the steps being taken to address the shortage of officers and NCOs in the Naval Service which are well below the establishment levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13399/04]
View answerIn December 2000 I authorised a new organisation for the Naval Service which increased personnel numbers from 959 serving at that time to a new establishment of 1,144.
The strength of the Naval Service, as advised by the military authorities, was 1,078 as at 31 March 2004.
The Government remains fully committed to the policy of ongoing recruitment to ensure that an overall PDF strength of 10,500 is achieved and maintained.
It is proposed to recruit ten cadets to the Naval Service from the 2004 cadetship competition. The Naval Service recently had an initial intake of 31 general service recruits. The requirements for any further intakes will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The ongoing recruitment campaign for enlistment in the Defence Forces, which I have approved, is designed to address any shortfall in personnel in the Defence Forces including the Naval Service.
A total of 93 recruits were enlisted in the Naval Service in 2003. Fourteen cadets and eight direct entry officers were also recruited during 2003.
In 2002, 100 recruits, nine engine room artificers and six electrical artificers were enlisted in the Naval Service. In addition, 13 other technical qualified personnel, comprising of four watchkeeping officers, four marine engineers and five electrical engineer officers were also appointed. A total of 16 cadets were also enlisted from the 2002 cadetship intake. In 2001, 62 recruits, six cadets, one marine engineer, two watchkeepers and three electrical artificers were recruited to the Naval Service.
Where the need arises, competitions are organised to recruit specialist personnel by direct entry. Competitions have been advertised in recent years for marine engineer officers, watchkeeping officers, electrical engineer officers, electrical artificers and engine room artificers in the Naval Service.
