Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
347. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel who have left the Naval Service in each of the past three years; the number recruited during the same period; the current number of vessels operational and fully crewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12910/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset I want to acknowledge the on-going staffing challenges in the Naval Service. We have, however, made positive progress over the last two years.
A total of 2,827 applications to join the Naval Service were received in 2025, while 1,917 applications were received in 2024.
We had 162 personnel inducted into the Naval Service in 2025. This included significant growth in specialist recruitment with 24 inductions achieved, via Direct Entry competitions.
I am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Naval Service, as at 31 December 2025, the latest date such figures are available, stood at 807 personnel which represents a twelve percent increase on the total of 719 personnel recorded at the end of 2024. The table below outlines the number of personal inducted and discharged from the Naval Service over the last 3 years;
|
Year |
Inductions |
Discharges |
|
2023 |
68 |
95 |
|
2024 |
97 |
75 |
|
2025 |
162 |
47 |
The increase in personnel demonstrates that the key enabling measures which the Government has introduced to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment are yielding results. These measures include: -
• an increase in the maximum recruitment ages to 39 and to 50 for Direct Entry Officer specialists;
• an increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62;
• a doubling of the Naval Service Patrol Duty allowance after 10 days;
• the extension of the Naval Service Tax Credit until 2029;
• the application of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces in January 2025, subject to certain exemptions, and;
• the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the Permanent Defence Force.
There has also been significant progress on pay with the most recent increase awarded earlier this month, with a further increase due on the 1st of June.
With regard to the fleet, the Naval Service currently has a fleet of eight vessels. Four of the vessels are regularly deployed on Maritime Defence and Security Operations (MDSO).
Challenges with ships to sea has been well documented in recent years, however the number of patrol days completed by the Naval Service in 2025 reached 580 patrol days. This is an increase of over 35% on the outputs from 2024 when 428 patrol days were completed.
The Naval Service continue to maintain a constant presence within the Irish EEZ.
While recruitment and retention of personnel in 2025 has been positive, a holistic plan for the future of the Naval Service is required. I am due to receive a Naval Service Regeneration Plan from the Chief of Staff, which will set out a pathway for the future direction of the service, in the coming weeks.
