Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Defence the number of women who have retired from the Defence Forces in each of the past three years to date; the number of women recruits in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49035/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The following table sets out the number of women who have left the Permanent Defence Force and the number of women who were inducted into the Permanent Defence Force in each of the years 2010 and 2011, and at 31 October 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.

The number of women in the Permanent Defence Force has risen from 567 (5.7% of overall strength) at the beginning of 2010 to 573 (6.26% of overall strength) as at 31 October 2012.