Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A number of specific initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation. Women's websites and magazines are targeted. I just mentioned sports clubs and organisations as examples. I agree that it is difficult to attract women to the Defence Forces. We must change the mindset. I am not sure why women might think a career in the Defence Forces is not an attractive future for them. We must help to change this. I have spoken to the Chief of Staff and the general staff about this. We have discussed using the women within the organisation to promote the organisation, whether through visits to third level or second level institutions, and giving them every opportunity in order that women are well aware that the Defence Forces are an attractive place to work. This will be difficult but we will continue to do it. Female inductions in the cadets increased by 13% in 2017 and is down 1% in 2018. The 2017 numbers were up on the 2016 numbers, and I hope the final figures for 2018 will be up on 2017.

See this speech in context