Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman for facilitating those of us who have other commitments this morning. I thank the Chief of Staff for appearing before the committee today and commend the great work of the Defence Forces in peacekeeping and in contributing to international peace and security through various missions, as outlined by Dr. Mellett. As a neutral country, Ireland has an important role to play on the world stage. Indeed, that neutrality is an important facet of our bid for a seat on the UN Security Council. I know that Dr. Mellett has been involved in that work. I particularly want to pay tribute to all of the Defence Forces and Naval Service personnel involved in the rescue at sea programme in the Mediterranean. Dr. Mellett outlined how many vulnerable civilians have been saved because of the work of the Irish Naval Service, among others. It is very valuable for us to hear about the diverse range of functions and roles carried out by the Defence Force personnel, and I thank Dr. Mellett for that information.

I want to focus on recruitment and retention, with a particular focus on increasing diversity within the Defence Forces. Dr. Mellett spoke about the gender equality and diversity agenda within the Defence Forces. I welcome the fact that Óglaigh na hÉireann has been a public sector leader in the practical application of policies in this area. What is the current gender balance within the Defence Forces? Dr. Mellett said that there is still some way to go, but how can the Defence Forces improve the gender balance? What sort of positive action measures are being adopted within the Defence Forces to encourage the recruitment of more women and to ensure the retention of those women who are already members of the Defence Forces? Dr. Mellett said that he has instituted family-friendly initiatives, which I welcome. However, the issue of long commutes for those serving in Ireland is of concern in that regard. Overseas postings must be a major issue for personnel with small children or with caring responsibilities, and while the reduction from six months to three months for such postings is welcome, that is still a very long time to be away from family. Does the capacity exist to shorten the length of overseas postings further? Is there any way that could be supported? Many private sector organisations in Britain have, against the backdrop of equal pay legislation, been adopting very interesting and creative recruitment initiatives to encourage more women to become pilots, for example. They have been working with the girl guides and within schools, and similar initiatives on the part of the Defence Forces would be very welcome. Inclusivity is not just a matter of gender, of course. Dr. Mellett pointed out that the Defence Forces LGBT network has been established. I believe the Defence Forces took part in the most recent Pride parade in Dublin, which is a very welcome development. What other policies are being adopted to encourage greater diversity?

I have question on the treatment of veterans, an issue that we do not often talk about in an Irish context. It is much more of an issue in countries with greater military spending. As a neutral country, it is appropriate that we do not have the level of emphasis on the military that is evident in other jurisdictions. That said, I would like to hear more from Dr. Mellett on how the Defence Forces are focusing on keeping veterans involved. It strikes me that veterans or former alumni of any organisation are very good and valuable recruiters for future generations. In terms of increasing diversity, senior women who have left the Defence Forces could play an important role in encouraging more women to join up.

I just have those specific questions.