Calls have been made for better ancillary services to be offered to members of the Naval Service based at Haulbowline.
The call was made on the opening day of the PDForra annual delegate conference which was addressed by the Defence Minister.
In his speech Tánaiste Michéal Martin outlined how improvements have been made to pay and conditions and he also announced the roll out of private secondary medical care to all members.
PDForra has long been campaigning for improved pay in order to aid recruitment and retention which has proven challenging over the last decade and has led to a depletion in Defence Force numbers.
Speaking to RedFM News PDForra President Mark Keane says while there has been some investment in naval service accommodation and benefits more needs to be done to help attract people into the service.
"Life at sea is a unique way of life. People can't just go home and they come back in, the ships have to be maintained. We need to get them off the ships, we need to get the accommodation, the ancillary services you'd find in any other employer, it makes it attractive.
"Also, it aids itself to retention and recruitment. We live in rent pressure zones, people can't afford to live in the Lower Harbour, Ringaskiddy, Monkstown, Cobh, Carrigaline.
"It would take that burden off them, and it gives them an opportunity to stay in the Naval Service, and would also attract people into the Naval Service."
