Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 207: To ask the Minister for Defence the strength by rank and gender of the Army, Navy and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43093/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 210: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of women at senior officer level in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43096/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 210 together.

There are twenty-three (23) females at senior officer level in the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 October 2008. This consists of twenty-two (22) at Commandant or equivalent rank and one (1) at Lieutenant-Colonel rank. A detailed breakdown of the strength by rank and gender of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps are in the following Tabular Statement. 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 575 as at 31 October 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.