The headcount has fallen from over 1,000 personnel to below 800 as people continue to leave the service and take up jobs in private industry due to better terms and conditions
The staffing crisis means there are just two vessels available to patrol Irish territorial waters as two ships had to be withdrawn from service
The move has raised concerns about the lack of necessary security monitoring and fisheries enforcement in Irish waters .
Speaking to RedFM News PDForra president Mark Keane, who is based at navy headquarters in Haulbowline, says it's vital the service entices personnel back
