Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Naval Service Reserve (NSR) trains its members to supplement and aid the work of the Naval Service in carrying out its wide variety of roles. As part of their training, Naval reservists receive instruction in motorboat handling, sail training, navigation, marine communications, weapons training, fire fighting and sea survival. Subject to the availability of seagoing berths, Naval reservists also receive annual training on board Naval Service ships when on patrol. The availability of seagoing berths was however significantly restricted in 2014 for a number of reasons, including the non-availability of LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara due to the necessity to carry out urgent remedial works on both vessels. In addition there was a requirement to carry out unforeseen maintenance arising from a serious engine problem encountered by LÉ Eithne. Furthermore, the priority requirement for new Naval Service recruits to be rotated to sea duty on completion of their professional training further limited the availability of sea berths for members of the NSR.

With the Naval Service fleet having returned to its full complement of eight ships, it is envisaged that there will be scope for an increase in the number of seagoing days for NSR personnel in the future. For this reason, I anticipate that there will be an increase in 2016.

I wish to place on record my admiration for the members of the Naval Service Reserve who provide valuable support to the Naval Service at sea and on land. They also provide support for a range of ceremonial events, most recently at Dún Laoghaire for the Naming and Commissioning Ceremonies for the newest Naval vessel LÉ James Joyce.