It is feared new emergency measures to bolster manpower levels in the Naval Service will take several more weeks than initially anticipated by Defence Minister Simon Coveney, meaning they won't stave off the tying-up of more ships. A spokesman for Mr Coveney issued the following statement: “Retention and recruitment in the Defence Forces remains the Minister's highest priority. He added he intends to visit the naval base shortly to hear directly of the challenges faced by the service. Projections given to the Irish Examiner, which Mr Coveney has not denied, suggest one if not two further ships will have to be tied up within the next couple of months due to ever-depleting manpower numbers. It's general secretary, Ger Guinan, said there is "potential for further halting of sailing orders on more ships".

Source: Irish Examiner August 06, 2020 17:46 UTC