Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of women promoted in the Defence Forces in the past 12 months, by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26325/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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A breakdown of the number of female personnel promoted in the Permanent Defence Force since 1 May 2007 is as follows:

The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Female strength in the Permanent Defence Force has increased from 468 at the end of 2001 to 564 as at 31 May 2008.

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