Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Defence the total number of women at all ranks in the Defence Forces including the Reserve and FCA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7196/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The number of female personnel serving in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) on 31 December 2011, the latest date for which figures are available, was 565, of which 467 were serving in the Army, 30 in the Air Corps and 68 in the Naval Service. In terms of ranks, the breakdown of female personnel serving in the PDF on 31 December 2011 was 145 Officers, 186 Non Commissioned Officers, 229 Privates and 5 Cadets. The percentage of female personnel serving in the PDF on 31 December 2011 was 5.99% of the overall strength of the Force on that date. With regard to the Reserve Defence Force (RDF), the number of female personnel serving on 31 December 2011, the latest date for which figures are available, was 1,120, of which 1,059 were serving in the Army Reserve and 61 in the Naval Reserve. In terms of ranks, the breakdown of female personnel serving in the RDF on 31 December 2011 was 51 Officers, 252 Non Commissioned Officers and 817 Privates. The percentage of female personnel serving in the RDF on 31 December 2011 was 21.46% of the overall strength of the Force on that date.

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 in the Defence Forces are open to both genders on merit.