Written answers

Thursday, 21 June 2012

Department of Justice, Equality and Defence

Defence Forces Strength

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the number of women, in the Air Corps, at all ranks, has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30237/12]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the number of women, in the Naval Service, at all ranks, has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30238/12]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the number of women, in the Army, at all ranks, has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30239/12]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 to 139, inclusive, together.

The following tables set out the number of women by rank serving in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps at 31 December for each of the years 2007 to 2011, and at 31 May 2012, the latest date for which figures are available.

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 women 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 participation by women 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 women 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 participation by women 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.

TABULAR STATEMENT
STRENGTH OF WOMEN IN THE ARMY
2007 - 2012
LTMAJBRIGCOLLTCOMDTCAPTLTTOTALSMBQMSCSCQMSSGTSCPLSTOTALPTESCADETSTOTAL
GENGENGENCOLOFFRSNCOS
31-Dec-07118444010331231021292168456
31-Dec-081214841111313210814420013468
31-Dec-092194347111313210914519412462
31-Dec-101184151111213310914520011467
31-Dec-11219464511221351191571944467
31-May-1222044481142321191531911459
TABULAR STATEMENT
STRENGTH OF WOMEN IN THE AIR CORPS
2007 - 2012
LTMAJBRIGCOLLTCOMDTCAPTLTTOTALSMBQMSCSCQMSSGTSCPLSTOTALPTESCADETSTOTAL
GENGENGENCOLOFFRSNCOS
31-Dec-0732511101215133
31-Dec-0822413101413132
31-Dec-0941514101512133
31-Dec-10426149141232
31-Dec-11235141318730
31-May-12235141318629
TABULAR STATEMENT
STRENGTH OF WOMEN IN THE NAVAL SERVICE
2007 - 2012
LTMAJBRIGCOLLTCOMDTCAPTLTTOTALSMBQMSCSCQMSSGTSCPLSTOTALPTESCADETSTOTAL
GENGENGENCOLOFFRSNCOS
31-Dec-07108187740671
31-Dec-0821011239935370
31-Dec-0921011239934672
31-Dec-1021014268834270
31-Dec-113131228111128168
31-May-124121228111127167

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