Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023
126. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of sailings of Irish Naval Vessels that have been unable to proceed this year due to staffing issues; the number of vessels currently not in use; and the current target for recruitment for the Naval Service this year. [42558/23]
View answerThe Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary.
The Naval Service has recently adopted a three ship operational posture with two ships operational and another ship on standby. The decision to reduce the number of operational ships was made as a result of the previously acknowledged recruitment and retention difficulties in the Naval Service, in particular for specialist positions. This strategic decision has been taken in order to streamline operations, bolster existing capabilities, and ensure optimal resource allocation in the Naval Service.
A total of 46 scheduled Naval Service patrol days have been cancelled to date this year due to staffing issues.
My immediate focus is on stabilising the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces and thereafter increasing strength to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
The Government has previously acknowledged the recruitment and retention difficulties in the Naval Service, which present ongoing challenges. This is the case, in particular, for the specialist positions, as the current competitive jobs market is proving challenging for all sectors. The high standard of training provided by the Defence Forces makes its members ever more attractive to private sector employers. Work is ongoing in a number of areas to address the difficulties.
