Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)

I thank the Tánaiste for the detail in his reply. He mentioned the difficulty in hiring specialists. A total of €250,000 has been spent this year for external contractors to service naval vessels due to the lack of trained personnel. In August, we read a report that the €300 million project to purchase Ireland's biggest ever naval ship is in the doldrums, as senior Defence Forces personnel seek a more combat-orientated vessel. I am unapologetic in wanting to see, as I am sure the Tánaiste is, an increased naval presence given the threats in our waters. With the level of interest shown by 2,357 applicants, will we get to the establishment strength of 1,094 over the next 12 months, or is there still a way to go to meet that number?

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