Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Defence the recommendations that have been made by the Naval Service/PDFORRA working group in regard to solutions to shortages of skilled personnel in critical areas of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34148/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I can report that progress has been made in addressing skill shortages in the Naval Service. Eleven (11) Junior Operations Branch Officers have recently qualified and there are a further twenty six (26) junior officers and cadets in training. There are currently 30 General Service Recruits in training and another class is being enlisted on the 18 December.

Progress has also been made to address shortages in the Engine-room Artificers (ERA) and Electrical Artificers (EA) technical grades. The strength against establishment figure is currently 99% and 77% respectively with a further eleven (11) ERA and thirteen (13) EA at various stages of training. Recruitment and training is ongoing in the Naval Service to ensure that it is fully resourced to meet its operational requirements.