Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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582. To ask the Minister for Defence the different ranks of all members in the Irish Defence Forces including the Permanent Defence Force, the Reserve Defence Force, the Irish Naval Service, the Naval Service Reserve, the Irish Air Corps and any other associated part of the Defence Forces; the comparisons that can be made in the ranks between the different sections of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31694/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The detailed information the deputy sought in respect of ranks in the Defence Forces is contained in the table below.

Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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583. To ask the Minister for Defence if he will provide the number of female personnel at each rank in the Air Corps and Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31742/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The table below sets out the number of women serving in the Army, Navy and Air Corps at 31 May 2013. For ease of comparison the equivalent Army Rank has been used in the Naval Service Table. In terms of the current position, the number of women serving in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) on 31 May 2013, the latest date for which figures are available, was 562, of which 467 were serving in the Army, 28 in the Air Corps and 67 in the Naval Service. This represents 6.15% 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.

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.

Female Strength in Army at 31 May 2013

Female Strength in Air Corps at 31 May 2013

Female Strength in Naval Service at 31 May 2013