asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the shortage of naval personnel, he will consider offering shore-based appointments to suitably qualified army personnel of all ranks.

In accordance with Defence Force Regulations, Army personnel may be attached to the Naval Service as required. At present fifteen such persons, the majority of whom have specialist skills, are so attached. In addition, there is provision in regulations for the transfer to the Naval Service of personnel who originally enlisted in the Army and who subsequently opted for the Naval Service.

In view of the fact that there is a shortage of personnel in the Naval Service and that the service at its present strength is incapable of performing its duties effectively, will the Minister try to find out if there are still personnel in the Defences Forces who would like to offer themselves for shore-based appointments and have the necessary qualifications, as I am sure there are?

The Deputy should be aware that Army personnel attached to the Naval Service comprise members of the Ordnance, Medical, Supply and Transport, Signals and Military Police Corps. The following are the members of Army personnel who transferred to the Naval Service in the past three years: 1974, 11; 1975, 5; 1976, 13. I can assure the Deputy that proposals to increase the establishment in respect of the Naval Service are under consideration. The strength of the Naval Service on 31st March, 1973 was only 402, not a figure with which the Deputy can be greatly pleased.

I thank the Minister for the information. In view of the fact that members have been transferred from one section of the Defence Forces to another in order to bolster up the Minister's figures is the Minister satisfied that there are not more skilled personnel in the Defence Forces capable of relieving naval personnel who are doing shore duties in orderly rooms, stores and elsewhere and who could be diverted to duties proper to naval personnel? Could not this further strengthen the effectiveness of the Naval Service?

I can assure the Deputy that any applications made for transfer from the Army to the Naval Service will be considered on their merits having regard to the qualifications of the applicants and their desire to be transferred.

Will their posts be filled in the permanent Defence Forces?

Question No. 13.