asked the Minister for Defence if the reason for not establishing naval service sub-bases at present is due to the shortage of funds and the inadequate number of men in the service; and if he will outline his policy on this matter.

No. Since the reply to Question No. 23 on 18 June 1980, the Naval Service have taken over facilities at Spike Island where recruit and potential NCO training is now being carried out. There are no plans for the establishment of sub-bases elsewhere.

In view of the drive to recruit more naval personnel, would the Minister consider maintaining the headquarters in Haulbowline and create sub-bases around the country as an incentive to recruitment?

I understand there are great difficulties to be overcome in the creation of sub-bases. Consideration has been given to this matter from time to time and various places around the coast have been considered for alternative or additional naval bases, for example, Castletownbere, the Shannon Estuary at Foynes, Galway, Cashla Bay, the Aran Islands, Blacksod Bay, Sligo, Killybegs, Lough Swilly, Rathmullen, Howth and Dunmore East.

Will the search continue?

The search for a suitable base is continuing but there are many difficulties to be overcome in the establishment of a sub-base.

A final supplementary.

Does the Minister regard the fact that there is only one base at Haulbowline as a disincentive to recruitment?

We are satisfied for the moment with the Haulbowline base but we are always on the lookout for more suitable sub-bases.

27.