Displaying items by tag: Exodus

14th June 2019

Naval Service Is A Sinking Ship With Staff Exodus

LÉ Samuel Beckett Afloat adds is the first of the OPV90 /P60 class which form a quartet out of a fleet total of 9 naval patrol vessels.

In the Irish Examiner's report today the number of sailors leaving the Naval Service paints a grim picture for the future of Ireland’s maritime armed service.

More than 100 members of the service are likely to leave this year alone, amounting to 10% of the force. PDForra, which represents enlisted personnel in the service, fears the number could be much higher.

Coming on top of resignations from the Army, the exodus of highly trained and experienced men and women should be of concern, in particular, to Leo Varadkar, in his dual role of Taoiseach and minister for defence.

For more click here for a link to the story.

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Picket by Defence Forces Members Outside Politicians’ Offices

A picket by Defence Force members outside the offices of elected representatives in Clondalkin, Co. Dublin

#NavalService - The Echo.ie writes of appalling pay and conditions endured by those in the Defence Forces saw retired members picketing politicians’ constituency offices across the country.

In Clondalkin Village last Saturday, former Defence Forces members picketed to remind local politicians that they “have a vote”

Anthony Gallagher, a Harelawn resident and member of the Defence Forces from 1976 to 2007, served two tours in the Lebanon.

“Serving soldiers can’t protest, so we decided to hold pickets and let all our local TDs know that we haven’t gone away,” said Anthony.

“Unlike the gardai, we have no union, although we do have a representative association.

"The pay and conditions are very bad. Even to this day, you have a lot of young soldiers taking their own lives.”

For more on the exudus of personnel from the Defence Forces click here.

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.