Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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84. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that there are adequate measures to protect female members of the Defence Forces from discrimination, particularly when they have children. [47821/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces are committed to gender equality and employ a gender perspective in all policies and regulations. The Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan promotes diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities for all members of the Organisation.

Unlike some military organisations, the Defence Forces have no restrictions with regard to the assignment of men or women to the full range of professional and administrative duties. Women, therefore, play a full and meaningful role in all aspects of Defence operations at home and overseas.

Female members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) are entitled to the same protected Maternity Leave and Adoptive Leave as applies to all other public servants. The Defence Forces Maternity Policy (2015) also provides for supports on return to the workplace when maternity leave is complete. Other supports in place include:-

- The Defence Forces have initiated a range of family-friendly policies with a focus on improving the work-life balance of serving personnel.

- Personnel Support Services are available including crisis pregnancy support, post natal depression and sudden loss, miscarriage and bereavement counselling.

- Parental Leave

- Shorter Working Leave which a member may be granted leave, without pay and allowances, for the purpose of balancing their working arrangements with outside commitments including school holiday periods of their children.

The Defence Forces Dignity Charter outlines the Organisation's commitment to maintaining a work environment that encourages and supports the right to dignity at work. Bullying, sexual harassment and harassment in any form is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

Notwithstanding these proactive initiatives, I believe that there is a need to continue to develop and promote strategies over the lifespan of the White Paper that support increased female participation in the Defence Forces and guard against discrimination.