Staff shortage may hamper navy fleet plans

The LÉ James Joyce passing Roches Point in Cork harbour. File picture: Eddie O'Hare

The navy’s plans to bring more of its fleet back into action could be hampered by a lack of specialist technicians to keep ship engines, electrical systems, and armaments properly functioning.

The Defence Forces press office has refused to reveal details of the exact personnel levels in vital technical sections, citing security reasons. 

However, sources have told the Irish Examiner there are serious staff shortages across key areas.

The number of sea-going engine room technicians (ERAs) should stand at 60.

At present, the navy has just 10 of these personnel, although there are more in training.

The number of sea-going petty officers who look after ships’ electrical systems is just a quarter of what is deemed the minimum.

There are also shortages in the number of technicians who look after the ships’ armaments, primarily their main guns.

There should be one chief petty officer, five petty officers, and three leading seamen in this grouping. 

Sources have told the Irish Examiner there is just one in the most senor rank and one leading seaman.

Meanwhile, personnel are having to rely on a decreasing pool of chefs to feed them on land and sea.

There should be a minimum complement of 59, but at present just 24 are described as being “operational.” 

Cork East Fine Gael TD Noel McCarthy said he has "had numerous representations on these grave issues from navy personnel” and is going to raise this in the Dáil with Tánaiste and minister for defence Simon Harris.

The lack of these experts needs to be addressed urgently. They need to be paid properly — at least matching the pay and conditions they're being offered in the private sector. 

"They're getting way more in the private sector and being actively head-hunted by companies for the skills and work ethic they have,” he said.

He is urging the Defence Forces to be more forthcoming about the personnel levels and the impact staffing shortages is having on its ability to put ships to sea.

“There needs to be transparency on these issues. We need them highlighted so we ensure a solution and make sure we're properly defended,” Mr McCarthy said.

A Defence Forces spokesman acknowledged that the lack of engine room technicians and electricians “represents an ongoing challenge" for the navy.

However, he said the navy is committed to ensuring that its personnel are properly recognised, supported, and incentivised.

“To achieve this, the patrol duty allowance now offers enlisted personnel considerable remuneration for their service in maritime operations, contributing to Irish security. 

"This is in addition to improved work and life balance measures and personnel welfare,” the spokesman said.

He said that specific personnel figures would compromise operational security.

“However, the direct entry programmes [from private sector employees] combined with the incentives, have led to four engine technicians and two electricians being inducted this year, with more prospective candidates being processed for induction into both entry streams. 

"With these robust measures in place, the Naval Service aims to not only retain the current generation of sailors and technicians, but also attract a new wave of talent to safeguard Ireland’s maritime interests,” the spokesman added.