Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I note the Minister did not answer the question. Will enlisted members and civilians be on the same conditions and rates of pay?

The Defence Forces had a recorded turnover rate of 10.72% in 2022, the latest date for which figures are available. We have seen amendments to the sea service commitment but, at the same time, people have lost out on that payment because ships were essentially tied up in dock for reasons outside the control of Naval Service members.

It has also been reported that a plan has been presented to the Government for approval regarding the potential of an Irish Naval Service ship to deploy to North Africa to police the Libyan arms embargo in June. Due to last for seven weeks, this would be the first international deployment of the Naval Service since 2018 when it participated in the Mediterranean rescue missions. It is also reported that it is most likely to have a positive impact on recruitment, which is to be welcomed, and also the retention crisis. Can the Minister confirm if those plans have gone to the Government and been approved? If not, at what stage are they?

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