Naval chiefs aim to hire across EU as staff quit
ney is now back in Ireland and making good progress with his recovery,” he said.
“It goes without saying that we wish him continued progress in the coming weeks and months.”
Mr Martin said lines of inquiry are being pursued by the Defence Forces Multi-disciplinary Team into the killing of Sean, as well as three separate parallel investigations into the facts and circumstances of the matter by the Lebanese authorities, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Gardai.
“The Government is absolutely determined that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident are fully established and that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.
He added: “On behalf of the Irish people, may I thank each and every one of you for the part you are playing in continuing the proud tradition of generations of Irish peacekeepers.”
SET FOR DOCK: LE Roisin Naval vessel
IRISH Naval bosses are heading overseas to recruit in a desperate attempt to solve the service’s staffing crisis as the country’s coastline is in danger of being dangerously under patrolled.
The Star has confirmed the Naval Service has put out a tender for a company to run a private recruitment scheme — targeting maritime experts in EU countries.
It comes as two of the service’s six ships are set to be tied up due to a lack of staff to crew the vessels.
Tender
The service is supposed to have over 1,000 personnel but staffing levels have fallen below 800.
Sources have told The Star that this affects the number of ships put to sea for vital anti-drugs and fisheries patrols.
But now, to fill the vital gaps, Naval Service bosses published a tender earlier this month to “recruit qualified candidates for direct entry vacancies”.
But RACO, the body that represents officers in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, said the bid to hire staff showed staff simply needed better conditions.
Spokesman Commandant Conor King said: “The only way we can make the Naval Service an employer of choice once more is to tackle the glaring inadequacies in service conditions.”