The Irish Times view on the navy’s two new ships: improving our maritime defences

The arrival into Cork Harbour this week of two new ships for the Navy is a welcome fillip for the service. The timing is also fortuitous as leaders from EU and Nato navies meet in Cork this week to discuss matters of common interest. Looming large at the meeting is the prospect of Russian interference with subsea communication and energy infrastructure.

It is a threat that Ireland struggles to meet. Recent visits by Russian vessels into Irish waters have illustrated the very limited ability of the Navy and Air Corps in this regard.

The two inshore patrol boats – bought from New Zealand for €26 million – will do little to counter the problem. They are intended for use in the Irish Sea, patrolling the maritime border between Ireland and the UK – an imperative and an obligation imposed by Brexit. Their acquisition will relieve pressure on other ships more suited to Atlantic conditions and send a signal to our partners in the EU and further afield that Ireland is serious about discharging its responsibilities in the area of maritime security.

Ships, however, are only one part of the equation. They are of little use without a qualified and committed crew. The strength of the Naval Service has fallen below 800 personnel, almost 300 lower than its establishment strength of 1,094.

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Three ships were taken out of commission last year due in part to a shortage of crew and the service now faces relying on private civilian contractors to keep its ships at sea. The Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Association (PDforra) has called for an increase in Naval Pay – a sea-going allowance introduced in 1975. This would help, but the problem runs much deeper and applies across the Defence Forces.

Until the Defence Forces can offer recruits a worthwhile, well-paid career in an environment free from the sort of abuse highlighted in the recent report of the Independent Review Group, looking at matters raised by female veterans, the Naval Service will struggle to crew its ships. And Ireland will not be able to meet its maritime defence commitments.