Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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124. To ask the Minister for Defence to outline the extent to which gender balance continues to be achieved at various ranks throughout the Defence Forces in the Army, Navy and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35066/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 31 July 2014, the latest date for which figures are available, was 9,019, broken down into 7,270 Army, 755 Air Corps and 994 Naval Service. 554 (or 6.14%) are women. The following tables contain the above mentioned strength, broken down into Army, Naval Service and Air Corps by gender and rank groupings. 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.

A number of specific initiatives have been implemented to increase female participation in the Defence Forces including:

the introduction of best practices in recruitment, such as the adjustment of physical standards for female applicants,· special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment,· there is balanced composition between men and women on recruitment and selection boards,· all promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit,· A Gender Advisor has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces.

I am advised that 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. Women, therefore, play a full and meaningful role in all aspects of Defence Forces operations at home and overseas.The Defence Forces also 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 when it arises.However, a key impediment in achieving the target gender balance is the lack of female applicants relative to males.

I believe that there is a need to continue to develop and promote strategies that support increased female participation in the Defence Forces. To this end, as part of the recent recruitment campaign for enlisted personnel and the Reserve, specific efforts were made to increase the number of female applicants. These efforts included school visits, media engagement including national and local radio, targeting sports clubs and use of social media. At the closing date for this recruitment campaign on 9 April 2014 there were 755 Female applicants or 10.3% out of a total of 7,295 applicants for the Permanent Defence Force and 320 female applicants or 14.9% out of a total of 2,146 applicants for the Reserve Defence Force. On the face of it these figures appear to be disappointing. However, I believe that a key issue in recruiting and retaining female personnel lies in societal perception and attitudes to female soldiers and officers. I am hopeful that through continued engagement and communication, this perception will change over time.

Army (PDF)