Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

A maternity wear uniform was introduced into the Defence Forces in the middle part of the 1990s. The provision of this type of uniform has been an evolving process. There have been many design and specification changes over time in response to reviews and submissions on the need for change or alteration to the uniform. This change process has always had at its core the needs and comfort of the individual.

The Defence Forces clothing committee is tasked with the oversight and implementation in regard to all orders of military dress. In this connection, a working group was tasked with reporting on female clothing, in particular in the Defence Forces. This working group continually updates the main committee and has as one of its current tasks a review of maternity uniform.

Recommendations for changes to specifications, textiles and design will be incorporated into the final report of the working group. The Defence Forces meets or exceeds the best international military standards in the design and specification for all orders of military dress, including maternity wear uniform.

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