Is the Irish Navy a disgrace?

Atoms for Peace wrote: »

Well discrace is probably a bit OTT but you get my drift.

When theyre not assisting illegal aliens to enter Europe theyre hassling Irish fishermen for the benefit of foreign fleets.
The most recent act of eneptitude involves inexplicably arresting two northern fishing vessels where a long-standing gentleman's agreement has allowed reciprocal fishing rights. This will also undoudtably effect already strained relations with the north and UK.

That is more likely a political decision made by senior civil service or ministerial level. They are only acting on someone elses orders.

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Whatever. I am sure they are all professional and following the laws of the land.

I do not agree that they should be sent to the Med to rescue migrants who have been trafficked though. That just encourages more of the Mafia types to keep going.

Simon Coveney is from Cork, that place has a huge (maybe the only) maritime heritage. So think about it for a minute. Who benefits from all the Med voyages?

Simon Coveney is a spineless chocolate sailor and is from a family of tax cheats. But this decision was taken well above his head as we are part of an integrated EU Naval group run from Brussels, the same with our Army and Air Corp and has been for some time.

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Well in fairness what is the purpose of our Army for starters? I wish someone would tell me this now, with due respect to those who are there of course.

Air Corps probably assist in rescues and sending our Ministers off in the Government Jet (if it still exists, haven't checked that out, too bored to do it),

Maritime too, but please, not for helping traffickers anymore.

The Army is the support the Gardai if needed and our contributions to UN and EU mission. They are a great force to deploy in natural disasters and emergencies. I think the DoD makes very mistakes when purchasing comparison to the HSE and other armies. So they do give value for money but we do not look after our soldiers. I am hearing stories of former soldiers ending up on the streets and dealing with substance issues. Soldiers pay was never great but the gratuity and pension made up for it. That has now been slashed.

All Branches of the defence forces are losing technicians that simply cannot be replaced by calling a recruitment agency. Where are you supposed to get a Petty Officer with 10 year experience of working on a Volvo marine engine? You cant go down to Adecco and buy that experience.

Last I heard the Government Jet was mothballed in the States and being investigated if it was viable to be either fixed or scrapped and replaced. Those issues about assisting Traffickers is being made at an EU level.