Dáil debates

Wednesday, 6 May 2009

3:00 pm

Photo of Ulick BurkeUlick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 63: To ask the Minister for Defence the arrangements in place regarding uniforms for female members of the Defence Forces during pregnancy; if a maternity wear uniform is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17869/09]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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This question was put down because an inquiry was received from some of the female members of the Defence Forces. As the Minister is probably aware, despite his campaign to enlist more females into the Defence Forces, in general, women are not overly enthusiastic about joining up. The Minister must give them every possible encouragement and this is one area where it is only common sense as female members of the Defence Forces would like, when serving their duties, to be able to wear their uniforms.

At this stage I understand that towards the end of pregnancy, women must wear civilian clothes as they cannot wear a uniform. It should be a very simple matter to design a uniform to accommodate these people. The special clothing committee could surely report on this very rapidly and its recommendation could be accepted by the Minister or chief of staff.

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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We must do everything to encourage more females to join the Defence Forces because at present, they make up just over 5% of the force. I agree with the Deputy on that point. However, female members of the Defence Forces who are pregnant are not deployed on overseas duties. In addition, if they are members of the Naval Service, they are not be deployed at sea and if they are members of the Air Corps, they are not expected to fly.

I am aware that certain of the representative organisations have made representations to the effect that some female members of the Defence Forces would prefer to wear civilian clothes while they are pregnant. The military authorities have a difficulty with this because they say that, by definition, the Army is a uniformed force.

A great deal of work has been done on the design and specification of maternity uniforms for female members of the Defence Forces who are pregnant. Despite this, however, difficulties continue to obtain. From that point of view and from being aware of the position, I have asked the working group to report to me as quickly as possible. I would be well disposed to accept its recommendation in this regard. I am advised that, in the context of its design and specification, the maternity uniform that is available at present meets best international standards. If improvements can be made and if I obtain the appropriate submission, I will respond.

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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If a working group is considering the matter then clearly, the uniform is not suitable. The issue of pregnant personnel being on duty does not arise. However, when these individuals are in the office or back at base, they like to be in uniform. These women want to wear that in which they feel comfortable; that is why they resort to wearing their civilian clothes. This is not a major issue to everyone but it is important to those involved. It is vital that the small percentage of females serving in the Defence Forces who are pregnant should be accommodated and should be made to feel as comfortable as possible.

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I accept that it is not a question of people being on duty. I was merely making the point that the Defence Forces do not ignore the fact that people might be pregnant.

I take the Deputy's point that Defence Forces personnel want to feel as comfortable as possible. The uniform was last redesigned in the mid-1990s. If improvements can be made - and in light of developments in the interim - I will be very disposed to accepting the recommendation when I receive it. I have asked the working group to report as quickly as possible.