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Naval Service Strength.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 March 2004

Thursday, 25 March 2004

Ceisteanna (20)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

16 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the total establishment level for the Naval Service as set out in the White Paper on Defence; the current number of personnel; the steps that are being taken to ensure that personnel numbers are brought up to the recommended level, particularly in regard to commissioned officer and NCO level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9279/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As part of the modernisation process, in December 2000 I authorised a new organisation for the Naval Service which saw an increase in personnel numbers from 959 serving at that time to a new establishment of 1,144. The strength of the Naval Service, as advised by the military authorities, was 1,063 as at 29 February 2004.

Detailed figures for the establishment and strength of the Naval Service, as advised by the military authorities, as at 29 February 2004 are set out in the following table.

Officers

NCOs

Privates

Total

Establishment

189

537

418

1,144

Strength

137

465

461

1,063

It is proposed to recruit a further 12 cadets to the Naval Service from the 2004 cadetship competition. The Naval Service proposes to have an initial intake of 40 general service recruits in the near future. The requirements for any further intakes will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The ongoing recruitment campaign for enlistment in the Defence Forces, which I have approved, is designed to address any shortfall in personnel in the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service. The Government remains fully committed to the policy of ongoing recruitment to ensure that an overall PDF strength of 10,500 is achieved and maintained.

Some 93 recruits were enlisted in the Naval Service in 2003. Fourteen cadets and eight direct entry officers were also recruited during 2003. In 2002, 100 recruits, nine engine room artificers and six electrical artificers were enlisted in the Naval Service. In addition 13 qualified personnel, comprising four watch-keeping officers, four marine engineers and five electrical engineer officers were also appointed. Some 16 cadets were also enlisted from the 2002 cadetship intake. In 2001, 62 recruits, six cadets, one marine engineer, two watch-keepers and three electrical artificers were recruited to the Naval Service.

Where the need arises, competitions are organised to recruit specialist personnel by direct entry. Competitions have been advertised in recent years for marine engineer officers, watch-keeping officers, electrical engineer officers, electrical artificers and engine room artificers in the Naval Service.

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