Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is no argument but that we have a recruitment crisis in the Naval Service. I am very clear on that. That is why we have taken a range of actions since I became Minister with responsibility for the Naval Service, including bringing in CPL to look at the recruitment processes.

Moreover, the navy has hired a specialist agency for the specialists required to man ships. We have doubled the patrol duty allowance. We have initiated other improvements, including starting pay, which is now much more comparable to other starting roles in the public service or even in the private sector. Cadets coming out of their leaving certificate who do 18 months are up to €41,000; if they come out of college and do 18 months, following commissioning they are earning €47,000. Therefore, the starting rates in the Defence Forces are very competitive now. That is not highlighted to the degree it should, perhaps. But overall we have an issue. That is why we enhanced the retirement ages in order that people can stay on until 60 years and eventually 62 years when the legislation is passed. That will all help retention. We have a major issue with recruitment. I am very focused on that issue and will continue to be.

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