Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 145: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Defence Forces; the gender balance and the rank gender balance; the measures he has considered to improve the gender balance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8525/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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A detailed breakdown of the numbers serving in the Permanent Defence Force (Army, Naval Service and Air Corps) by rank and gender are in the form of the Tabular Statement below. The Tabular Statement also provides the comparable details for the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve.

The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Permanent Defence Force (Army, Air Corps, Naval Service) and 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, educational and training courses and for promotion. All female personnel undergo the same training and receive the same military education as their male counterparts.

Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignations of the full range of operational and administrative duties as between males and females. All promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit.

Nevertheless, I remain anxious to explore all avenues for increasing the numbers of women joining the Defence Forces. In 2006, I reviewed the minimum height standard for recruitment into the Defence Forces. The minimum height standard was 5ft 4 ins, for both male and female personnel. With effect from 1st September 2006, I reduced the minimum height requirement from 5' 4" to 5' 2". This increases the potential recruitment pool of females from 60% to 90% of female population.

I have also commissioned market research around female participation in the Defence Forces. TNS-MRBI have undertaken market research into the issues of the recruitment and retention of women in the Defence Forces, addressing women's attitudes to military life and military careers. The research included interviews with serving female members of the PDF and the RDF and with members of the general public. This research report will inform future policy. The report has been received from the consultants and is currently under consideration within my Department.

Lt Gen=Lieutenant General

Maj Gen=Major General

Brig Gen=Brigadier General

Col=Colonel

Lt Col=Lieutenant Colonel

Comdt=Commandant

Capt=Captain

Lt=Lieutenant

SM=Sergeant Major

BQMS=Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant

CS=Company Sergeant

CQMS=Company Quartermaster Sergeant

SGTS=Sergeants

CPLS=Corporals

NCOS=Non Commissioned Officers

PTES=Privates