Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Accumulated, that is a little over 20%. The current structure tells me that there are 7,752 members, with a recommended staffing level of 11,500. How in God's name does the Department expect to recruit approximately 4,000 staff when current staff cannot be retained? Ms McCrum is not a foolish woman - I would not think so, given the position she is in. The efforts regarding current staffing levels are not good enough. I hear it all the time from the staff, both those who have left and those who are still there. This is not going to be resolved. It is not good enough that taxpayers' money is tied up in ships we purchase and cannot staff. We purchased two ships from New Zealand at a cost of €26 million. I may stand corrected with some money here or there but it was €26 million - for what? I believe we have five helicopters - is that correct?