Call for Coveney to address naval service manpower crisis

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney TD said that the Naval Service needs a “response” from him well in advance of a Commission which is to be set up to examine all aspects of Defence.

Tánaiste Simon Coveney, who is taking control at the Department of Defence, says one of his immediate priorities in the role will be to address the manpower crisis in the Naval Service.

A year ago, the Naval Service had to tie-up two of its ships because it lacked crews and a third could follow suit before the end of the year if personnel continue to leave at the current rate.