Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 375: 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. [25236/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 387: To ask the Minister for Defence if the number of women in the army has increased or decreased over the past five years by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25248/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 375 and 387 together.

A breakdown of the number of female personnel promoted in the Defence Forces in the past twelve months by rank is set out in the tabular statement under:

Furthermore, the numbers of female personnel serving in the army over the past five years by rank is set out in the tabular statement under:

ARMY - STRENGTH OF FEMALES BY RANK

In the five year period 2004 – 2008 inclusive, the strength of female personnel in the army grew from 434 on 31 December 2004 to 468 on 31 December 2008. This constitutes an increase of 7.8% in the number of females serving over this period.

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. 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.