Vol. 527 No. 4
38 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed at the recent RACO conference regarding the shortage of young officers in the Defence Forces; if the Naval Service is operating at strengths of 50% and less in some areas; the steps that are being taken to address these shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28691/00].
The strength of the Naval Service as at 30 November 2000, the latest date for which figures are available, is 973, made up of 131 officers and cadets, 430 NCOs, 344 seamen, 39 technical trainees and 29 recruits.
The new Naval Service organisation, which I hope to be in a position to implement shortly, provides for a total of 1,144 personnel as follows: 189 officers, 537 NCOs and 418 seamen.
The continuous recruitment policy that I introduced should be of considerable benefit to the Naval Service in filling the outstanding appointments. As we are all aware, however, staff recruitment and retention difficulties are no longer just public service issues. These problems are characteristic of the booming economy and are affecting employers throughout the public and private sectors. In such an environment, we need to have flexible recruitment policies so that we can get the calibre of people that we need.
In relation to vacancies for junior officers in the Naval Service, this matter requires a creative and innovative response. Among the initiatives that must be examined in this context are graduate recruitment, short service commissions and a more active programme of commissioning from the ranks. The military authorities, having consulted with RACO, are developing proposals in this area. Once received by me, I will ensure that the proposals are examined by my Department to ensure the earliest possible implementation.
Competitions for direct entry watchkeeping officers and marine engineer officers are currently under way.
On previous occasions I asked the Minister about the efforts the Department was making in secondary schools and third level institutions to highlight careers in the Defence Forces. What efforts have been made to further advance that publicity in relation to positions in the Defence Forces?
In 1999, 106 officers left and 40 were commissioned. In 2000, 77 officers are leaving and there are only 28 cadets. Will the Minister not improve the pay and career prospects of the people in the Army to attract officers?
In 1986, we had 902 serving—
I am talking about 1999 and 2000.
Allow the Minister to reply.
In 1994, we had 1,010 and now we have 973.
The Minister should cut out the history lesson.
The Deputy should not try to put all the blame on me, as if this just happened overnight.
The Minister should talk about the reality of now.
Order, please.
A number of initiatives are being taken by the flag officer in the Navy, which I strongly support. Unknown to Deputy Finucane, I have dedicated the total responsibility for recruitment to the military forces. They have absolute control of the funds, the type of schemes they want—
Fianna Fáil said that in Government it would immediately undertake a review of—
The Deputy does not want to hear what I have to say.
The questions are completed.
Written Answers follow Financial Resolutions.
