Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the female membership of the Defence Forces, in the Army, Naval Services and Air Corps, has increased or decreased in each of the past five years to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14538/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The table sets out the number of female personnel serving in the Army, Navy and Air Corps at 31 December for each of the years 2007 to 2011.

Female representation in the Defence Forces 2007-2011

In terms of the current position, the number of female personnel serving in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) on 29 February 2012, the latest date for which figures are available, was 557, of which 459 were serving in the Army, 30 in the Air Corps and 68 in the Naval Service. This represents 6.25% of the overall strength of the Defence Forces.

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.In 2007, the Department received the report of a TNS/MRBI study it had commissioned, titled "Retention and Recruitment of Women in the Defence Forces". This research was commissioned with a view to identifying areas where action could be taken to maximise the number of women applicants to the Defence Forces, hence increasing the number joining. The question of retention was also studied.

The results of the research were, on balance, positive. Three-quarters of serving females agreed that the Defence Forces are a good place to work. In addition there was a very high level of satisfaction (70% - 80%) expressed as regards the issues of job security, pay and benefits and the variety of work on offer.

The recommendations of the report have been implemented and the challenges identified therein continue to be addressed.

The Defence Forces, on the direction of the Chief of Staff, has established a Working Group to examine levels of female participation in the organisation. The Working Group will, inter alia, inquire into why women apply or do not apply for positions within the Defence Forces and what can be done to increase awareness among the female population of a career in the Defence Forces. The data gathered from the review will be used to formulate new policies in this area, specifically aimed at increasing female participation in the Defence Forces.

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.