Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 32: To ask the Minister for Defence when the expected report on the way to encourage women to join the Defence Forces will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2932/07]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 55: To ask the Minister for Defence the way he proposes to recruit more women into the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2804/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 55 together.

The Deputy knows, I am keen to increase the number of women applying to join our Defence Forces. To facilitate this, I have, with effect from 1st September 2006, reduced the minimum height requirement for entry into both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force from 162.56cm (5'4") to 157.48cm (5'2").

This change, which applies to both males and females, has the effect of increasing the annual recruitment pool of females from 60% to 90% and males from 97% to 98%. It is too early to gauge whether there has been a corresponding increase in the number of female applicants to the Defence Forces. However, I will closely monitor the situation over the coming months.

I must point out that height is not the only issue in encouraging more women to apply to join the Defence Forces and I have recently initiated more general research in this area. To this end, following a tendering process, TNS MRBI, an independent market research company was awarded the contract to undertake research into the issue of recruitment and retention of women in the Defence Forces. The market research included interviews with currently serving female members of both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force and members of the general public. I understand that the research phase has been completed and that the report is being finalised. As I have previously stated the results of this market research will be used to inform the formation of policy and practice in this area for the future. I anticipate that the finalised report will be available shortly.

I must emphasise that the Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women in the Defence Forces (Army, Air Corps, Naval Service) including the Reserve Defence Force, and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.

In effect, this means that women are eligible, on the same basis as men, for participation in operational and ceremonial activities, for assignment to all military appointments and educational and training courses and for promotion. All female personnel undergo the same training and receive the same military education as their male counterparts.