Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 June 2019
33. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of applications by members of the Naval Service to come ashore under the standing two year out, two year in policy; the number of these that have been denied in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24566/19]
View answerThe Naval Service provides the maritime component of the State's Defence capabilities and is the State's principal seagoing agency. It protects Ireland's interests at and from the sea and protects Ireland's sea lines of communications, fisheries and offshore resources.
The Naval Service endeavours to maintain a two year in/two year out rotation for personnel and mitigate for situations where this is not possible. In this regard, it should be noted that two years on a sea-based appointment does not imply that personnel spend two years at sea. Rotations are managed locally by the Flag Officer commanding the Naval Service. On occasion it may be necessary for personnel to carry out seagoing duties more frequently. The impact of seagoing is well understood by Naval personnel at all levels and the Naval Service endeavours to operate a planned approach to the sea/shore rotation of personnel.
In relation to the information sought by the Deputy, the Military Authorities inform me that the Naval Service can only provide figures relating to 2018/2019 during which 28 written applications were received and nil were denied.
