Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

As I said on 31 August, there are 1,005 personnel within the Naval Service. I would have mentioned in a reply to Deputy Calleary that, in the context of possible additional recruitment this year, I envisaged that a portion would apply to the Naval Service. I am conscious of its obligations and extended jurisdiction or remit. It is important that we bear this in mind in addressing the issue of the number of personnel available to it to carry out its duties.

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