Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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340. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional Naval Service personnel that will be required in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39799/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Naval Service currently has a strength of 887 personnel from an establishment of 1,094. I have previously acknowledged that there are recruitment and retention issues within the Naval Service and, in this context, I have announced a number of measures including an increased tax credit for sea-going Naval service Personnel and a new sea-going service commitment scheme. The Government is committed to restoring the strength of the Naval Service to its full establishment, however, this will take time.

Having regard to the current strength of the Naval Service and ongoing recruitment, the operational requirements arising from Brexit will be prioritised and personnel will be targeted to augment Brexit related activities.