Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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166. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost of establishing two Naval Service crews for each ship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30701/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Expenditure in relation to the Naval Service is drawn from a range of different subheads from across the Defence Vote and is not broken down on the basis of personnel numbers per ship or for the flotilla as a whole.

At present, the establishment for the Naval Service flotilla comprises 469 personnel out of a total Naval Service establishment of 1,094. Providing for increased numbers, beyond the flotilla's current establishment, to the extent outlined by the Deputy, would require consideration of a wide range of capability requirements underpinning such an increase, and an assessment of the associated cost implications.

The additional requirements and costs associated with establishing two Naval Service crews for each ship would be considerable. These would include, but not be limited to, significantly increased pay, allowances and other personnel related costs, additional equipment and ordnance requirements, significantly expanded infrastructure requirements including accommodation and a range of other facilities, additional training and education requirements, as well as organisational requirements in terms of additional headquarters and shore based personnel. My Department does not retain such costings.