Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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475. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current strength verses establishment of the Naval Service fleet operational readiness standards and training; and the status of the effective capability of FORST at present. [13324/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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FORST, the Fleet Operational Readiness Standards and Training Unit, established in 2008, is responsible for the co-ordination of the Naval Service fleets needs. Its purpose is to ensure the delivery by the Naval Service of professional output with a high degree of certainty, specific fleet standards, quality control and the monitoring of personnel and equipment in action.

The Naval Service conducts detailed and regular operational readiness evaluation for its ships at sea where procedures are assessed, evaluated and compared with international best practice.

The Fleet Operational Readiness Standards and Training Unit has an establishment of 12 personnel. The current strength is 11 personnel. I am advised that the vacancy, which is as a result of a planned retirement, will be filled in due course.