Personnel within the Naval Service have been thrown a financial lifeline, reports Irish Examiner, in the form of a €10,000 loyalty payment, which it is hoped will stem the exodus of trained crew members.

Defence Minister Simon Coveney has announced extra money for personnel who sign up for four years' service and undertake two of those years on seagoing patrols.

Naval Service personnel normally undertake a two-year cycle of patrol duties followed by two years of shore duties. Under the terms of Mr Coveney's 'Sea Going Service Commitment Scheme' they will have to complete a minimum of 240 days on sea patrols during a two-year period to qualify for the payment, which will be provided in four six-monthly tranches of €2,500 and will cost up to €1.2m each year.

The payment will not apply to those with less than three years' service because they're not considered to be fully trained.

It is similar to a loyalty bonus given to air corps pilots a few years ago to ensure they signed up for a minimum period of service.

More here on this scheme to encourage retention of crew personnel.