IRISH NAVY not in SHIPSHAPE

Falling sailor numbers force vital patrols to be axed

- JOHN KIERANS

THE Irish Navy had to cancel patrols almost every other day last month as more personnel quit.

From New Year's Day until January 26, 12 patrols were ditched with staff shortages and the bad weather blamed.

But it now only has four ships to patrol the biggest maritime area in the EU after the LE Niamh and the LE Roisin were taken out of service.

It had nine vessels just 18 months ago. The number of sailors has fallen by 294 to the current strength of 800 with many blaming poor pay and too many long hours at sea for leaving.

Last night Sinn Fein defence spokesman John Brady TD claimed national security is now at risk because we are unable to police Ireland's 200-mile exclusive economic zone in the Atlantic.