Naval Service establishment and recruitment
The Minister supplied establishment figures showing a 1979 total of 984, including civilians, while acknowledging the Naval Service was below establishment. He said recruitment was under review and that a special campaign and examination of pay and conditions were planned.
asked the Minister for Defence the total establishment of the Irish Navy in the categories of officers, men and civilian workers, in February 1978; and the number of officers, men and civilians in February 1979.
Comment on this
As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it in the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
Naval Service.
Authorised Establishments—Permanent Defence Force and Civilian Employees
Comment on this
As the figures involved are only in respect of a couple of years would it not be possible for the Minister to read them out now?
Comment on this
They will be on the record but for the Deputy's information they are as follows:
Naval Service.
Authorised Establishments—Permanent Defence Force and Civilian Employees
Comment on this
In common with myself the Minister is concerned about this matter and made a statement in that context in the House about 12 months ago.
Comment on this
Is the Minister satisfied with these figures having regard to his projection that by the end of the year the Naval Service would comprise 1,000 officers and men?
Comment on this
That includes civilian employees which number 184, in other words, the service is short 250 of the projection which is a quarter of the Naval Service.
Comment on this
I am not aware of the projections. As I have stated both here and in other places the establishment figures have not been realised and the strength in the Naval Service is well short of the establishment. I have expressed concern in this regard and there is under review the whole question of recruitment to the service. In a very short while I propose undertaking a special recruiting campaign and I am examining the pay and conditions of those serving in the Naval Service with a view to ascertaining what improvements might be effected. I am determined to ensure that the number of people serving in the Naval Service is brought up to the increases in establishment for which I have been responsible since becoming Minister. As I have informed the Deputy already, I hope to be able to increase the figure as time goes on.
28.