Tánaiste: Navy can staff three of its ships despite recruitment crisis 

Irish naval vessel The George Bernard Shaw amongst others docked at the naval base in Haulbowlin. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has claimed the navy has the capacity to staff three out of four ships but admitted the situation is “critical” in terms of recruitment and retention.

His comments come as the Irish Examiner reported that a shortage of sailors resulted in none of the navy’s four ship-fleet, worth €280m, being able to go out on patrol.