Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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514. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the number of women in the Defence Forces, at all ranks, has varied in the course of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22394/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The table below sets out the number of females in the Defence Forces at all ranks over the past five years (i.e. on the 31^stof December, 2010 to 2014 inclusive). I wish to advise the Deputy that the strength figures for 2010, 2011 and 2012 include personnel who were on secondment to, and being paid by other organisations, or on career breaks. Since September 2013, all strength figures have been calculated on the basis of actual numbers serving, excluding those members on secondment or career breaks.

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;

- A balanced composition between men and women on recruitment and selection boards;

- All promotions and career courses are open to both sexes on merit and;

- A Gender Advisor has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces.

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.