Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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132. To ask the Minister for Defence the number of women currently serving in the Air Corps; the extent to which the numbers might be set to increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25606/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As of 31 May, 2015, there are 32 whole-time equivalent posts filled by women serving in the Air Corps. 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 going forward 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.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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133. To ask the Minister for Defence the number of women currently enlisted in the Naval Service, at all ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25607/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The following table sets out the number of women in the Naval Service at all ranks as on 31 May 2015, which is 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.

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.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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134. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent of the skills, technical and academic, currently available throughout the Defence Forces, in the Army, Navy and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25608/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The extent and diversity of skills, both technical and academic, throughout the Defence Forces is extensive, matching the roles assigned to the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. There are numerous different job descriptions depending on the particular appointment held. These descriptions range from trained soldiers, sailors, airmen, cooks, drivers, mechanics, paramedics, plumbers, electricians, military police and so on. This broad range of possible appointments requires specific technical and academic skills in order to accomplish both individual and collective tasks.