Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 468: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will recruit members of minority groups here into the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39042/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Entry to the Permanent Defence Force is either through the cadetship competition, apprenticeship competition, general service enlistment or direct entry competitions, which are held to fill vacancies in specialist appointments. All applicants for each of these entry streams are required to meet qualifying criteria.

The Defence Forces equality policy, which was produced and formalised some months ago, states that the Defence Forces is committed to the principles of equal opportunities in all of its employment policies, procedures and regulations; will operate in an environment without discrimination in areas as provided by the Equality Acts; will ensure that the principles of employment equality are applied in recruitment, promotion, training and work experience; all regulations and administrative instructions concerning service in the Defence Forces shall be set out in a manner consistent with this policy of equal opportunity; and this policy will be reviewed along with the Defence Forces regulations on an ongoing basis by the deputy chief of staff — support — to ensure compliance with best practice and to maintain a working environment that treats all members of the Defence Forces in a manner consistent with equal opportunities.

My Department and the Defence Forces are fully committed to ensuring that all who wish to do so are given the opportunity to join the Defence Forces.