asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that, under regulations made by his Department, seamen with more than ten years' experience, and who have attained petty officer's rank in the naval branch of the Defence Forces, are accorded no recognition for such experience or service and are denied employment on Irish vessels as able seamen, and if, in view of the manifest unfairness of this position and its possible harmful effects on recruitment to the naval service, he will take steps to have it remedied.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Naval Service Recruitment.
The provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts preclude the employment of any person as an able seaman on an Irish ship unless he has had at least three years' service before the mast in a trading vessel, or has had at least one year's such service, together with at least two years' service on decked fishing boats. The matter is, however, being examined to see if it would be possible by amending legislation to recognise service in the naval branch of the Defence Forces. A difficulty, of which account must be taken, arises out of the need for ensuring international recognition of standards of qualification for able seamen.
Men with at least one year's sea service on a naval vessel are eligible to sit for an examination as efficient deck-hand, or they may secure employment as ordinary seamen on an Irish ship.