asked the Minister for Defence whether the three naval corvettes, the Déirde and the Cú Feasa can put to sea at the same time; if not, why; and what plans his Department have to improve the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Naval Corvettes.
87.
The three minesweepers of the Naval Service and the L.E. Déirdre cannot all be put to sea at the same time at present due to a shortage of officers in the executive branch of the service and to a shortage of engine room artificers and electrical artificers. The position as regards executive branch officers will improve at the end of July when three temporary officers who were recently appointed have undergone a period of training and are available for sea-going duties. I anticipate that further temporary appointments will be made in the near future and my Department is continuing to advertise with a view to filling the remaining vacancies for such appointments.
Competitions for appointments as engine room artificer and electrical artificer are at present being conducted.
The Cú Feasa is not a vessel of the Naval Service.