Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of female members promoted in the Defence Forces at all ranks in each of the past five years to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46604/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Military authorities that 142 female personnel have been promoted in the Defence Forces between 1 January 2006 and 30 November 2010. A breakdown of this figure is provided 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. 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. The Defence Forces prides itself on providing a gender neutral working environment. Policies on equality are being constantly communicated to all ranks. The military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing this matter in a continuing and proactive manner.

NO OF FEMALE PERSONNEL PROMOTED 1 JANUARY 2006 - 30 NOVEMBER 2010

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding promotion in the Defence Forces; the number of promotions approved in principle or pending at all ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46605/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Resulting from the Government Decision regarding the reduction of public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, recruitment, promotions and acting up appointments in the Permanent Defence Forces were suspended. However, in order to maintain the ongoing operational capability of the Defence Forces, a limited number of exceptions to the application of the measures to the Permanent Defence Force were sought in a submission to the Minister for Finance, in June 2009. As announced on the 24 November 2009 the Minister for Finance approved an allocation of 50 promotions for the Permanent Defence Force. Official confirmation and details relating to the Employment Control Framework (ECF) were received on 18 October 2010 from the Department of Finance. The ECF is based on a figure of 10,000 all ranks Permanent Defence Force personnel, appropriately configured across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps to enable them meet the roles assigned by Government.

Officials from the Department together with the Military Authorities are in the process of reviewing the structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Permanent Defence Force in accordance with the upper limits in ranks provided for in the ECF. The official confirmation of numbers, provided by the Employment Control Framework and the criteria of the National Recovery Plan 2011 – 2014 are now being considered by the Military Authorities and officials of the Department, for the purpose of outlining a structure capable of meeting the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces.

I have agreed that a considerable number of promotions within the Defence Forces can proceed immediately and further promotions are likely to follow in the New Year. Those already approved, approximately 150 are within the officer rank, this reflects both an operational and organisational requirement and is consistent with the action plan being developed under the National Pay Agreement. Those who have signed up to the Agreement and deliver thereon will receive the benefits accrued under the Agreement.

The Government considers that any party that chooses to remain outside the provisions of the agreement or that opposes its implementation cannot expect to benefit from the commitments it (the Government) gave as part of the agreement. I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.