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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 1

Written Answers. - Naval Service Transfers.

Liz O'Donnell

Ceist:

27 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Defence the number and rank of personnel who were serving in the Naval Service on 31 December 1995 and on 31 May 1996; the number of Naval Service personnel who applied during 1995 for transfers to the Army or Air Corps; the number of such personnel who were so transferred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14442/96]

As the statistical data requested is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose to circulate it in the Official Report.

Applications for transfer from members of the Naval Service to the Army or Air Corps are considered on their merit subject to the operational requirements of the Naval Service.

The Naval Service has a vital role in providing a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. Over 90 per cent of the operational seatime of the Naval Service is occupied with this task. Other important roles carried out by the Naval Service, generally in support of other Government Departments, include search and rescue operations, aid to the civil power (e.g. drugs interdiction at sea, salmon fishery patrols) and assistance with oil pollution control at sea. In the exercise of these tasks the service is responsible for the operation, maintenance and administration of five offshore patrol vessels and two coastal patrol vessels. Accordingly it is not possible to approve transfers except in exceptional circumstances.

Statistical Data
Officers serving in the Naval Service on the undermentioned dates are as follows:

Commodore

Captain (NS)

Commanders

Lieutenant Commanders

Lieutenants (NS)

Sub- Lieutenants

Ensigns

Total

31 December 1995

1

2

10

39

52

15

11

130

31 May 1996

1

2

10

39

51

15

11

129

One (1) Naval Service Officer (Sub-Lieutenant) made application to transfer into the Army during 1995. This officer had a specialist qualification in transport related area and consequently is now serving in a transport appointment in a unit of the Southern Command.
Non-commissioned ranks serving in the Naval Service on the undermentioned dates are as follows:

Warrant Officers

Senior Chief Petty Officers

Chief Petty Officers

Senior Petty Officers

Petty Officers

Leading Seamen

Seamen

Total

31 December 1995

7

5

65

14

199

197

439

926

31 May 1996

7

5

65

15

195

194

424

905

Fifty-three personnel applied for transfer to the Army during 1995. Two Petty Officers and 23 Seamen were transferred.
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