Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not believe there is any discrimination against women in the Defence Forces and if there is proof of it then I would like to hear about that. I would consider that to be serious. The Defences Forces are an equal opportunities employer for both males and females. It is great to see that Lieutenant Colonel Mary Carroll as the first female officer to command a mission. She has a group of personnel in the UNDOF mission and is the first female officer commanding to take responsibility for an overseas group. Female participation, however, is an issue and I would like to see more women applying to be members of the Defence Forces. A huge number apply but they fall off during the process. I have asked the Chief of Staff to look into the reasons there is such a fall-off of female applicants during the process of recruitment in respect of medical and fitness issues etc.

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