Bernard Durkan
Ceist:255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence when all seagoing vessels of the Naval Service will be fully staffed and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13765/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 10 March 2022
Ceisteanna (255)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Government has acknowledged the recruitment and retention issues being experienced by the Naval Service. The current shortfall is especially marked in specialist areas, where small numbers are more vulnerable to gaps. Without giving rise to any compromise on safety, the impact of these shortfalls has resulted in greater pressure on individual members and units. There has also been an impact on the operational availability of the Naval Service, and an impact on the overall number of operational ships, which is a situation that has to be managed carefully.
The Naval Service has nine ships. Two ships, LÉ Orla and LÉ Eithne, are currently in operational reserve but can be called upon for surge operations in times of national emergency, as was the case when LÉ Eithne was deployed to Cork City in 2020 in support of Operation Fortitude and the national response to the Covid-19 pandemic. LÉ Eithne acted as a forward logistics base and training platform in support of the HSE. Of the remaining seven ships, one is in the process of a mid-life re-fit which is expected to last 18 - 24 months. There are six ships currently available for operations at present.
At any one time the Naval Service can have a number of ships that are on active operations around the Irish EEZ whilst a number of others are undergoing routine resupply, maintenance and down time for ships companies. I am advised that the fleet is managed to ensure maximum availability to meet operational requirements. Therefore, notwithstanding some mechanical and staffing issues being experienced, the Naval Service continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and maritime security operations.
I welcomed the publication of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces which was launched on the 9th February 2022. The Commission have undertaken a significant body of work encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. The report contains 69 main recommendations and together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations. There are a number of recommendations included in the report which provide for the upgrade of the Naval Service fleet and an increase in staffing levels within the Naval Service.
Clearly, there are matters that will require careful consideration and in some critical aspects inter-departmental discussion and agreement. This includes the level of resourcing that may be allocated to Defence and the governance framework that will be required to underpin any changes the Government approve on foot of the Commission's report. It is anticipated that this process will take at least four to five months in order to bring a considered and comprehensive proposal back to Government to address the fundamental issues that the Commission have set out.