Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

One thing on which everybody in this House would agree in light of international events is a greater need for coastal vigilance than at any stage in the past. In addition to the ships to which the Minister made reference, I understand the naval reserve had access to and use four motor launches, three of which have been in dock at the naval base and awaiting repair since last year. I am aware that the flag officer commanding the Naval Service stated that due to a shortage of engineers within the Naval Service they have been unable to carry out these necessary and fairly minor works to these launches. That would appear to be another reason the naval reserve is not seeing the number of seagoing days one would expect.

See this speech in context