Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

825. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the number of women serving in each branch of the Defence Forces has fluctuated in the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13375/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The table contains the strength of women in the Permanent Defence Force, broken down into Army, Air Corps and Naval Service for each of the years 2009 to 2013. 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.

As part of the recently announced recruitment campaign for enlisted personnel and the Reserve, specific efforts are being made to increase the number of female applicants as part of a wider campaign aimed at improving gender and ethnic representation and diversity in the Defence Forces. In the case of female participation, these efforts include school visits, media engagement including national and local radio, targeting sports clubs and use of social media.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the strength figures for the period 2009 - 2012 include personnel who were on secondment to, and being paid by other organisations, or on career breaks. The 31 December 2013 strength figures have been calculated on the basis of actual numbers serving on that date, excluding those members who are on secondment to, and being paid by other organisations, or on career breaks. All future strength figures will be calculated on this basis.

Number of women serving in each Branch of the Permanent Defence Force