Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Question Nos. 8 and 223 together.

The number of female personnel serving in the Permanent Defence Force on 30 September 2010, the last date for which figures are available, was 557, of which 456 were serving in the Army, 32 in the Air Corps and 69 in the Naval Service. In terms of rank, the breakdown of female personnel serving on 30 September 2010 was 143 officers, 167 non-commissioned officers and 247 privates. The percentage of female personnel serving on 30 September was 5.79% of the overall strength of the force on that date.

The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces has no restrictions as regards the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. All promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit. The Department does not have access to statistics on the percentage of female members in other national armed forces. The Defence Forces prides itself on providing a gender neutral working environment. Policies on equality are being constantly communicated to all ranks. The military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing this matter in a continuing and proactive manner.

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