Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

238. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on when the ordnance cadetship competition is expected to reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58558/25]

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

239. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of ordnance cadetship posts that were allocated in each of the years 2023 and 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [58559/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 239 together.

The next Ordnance Cadetship competition will open in early 2026. The cadetship competitions run once a year. As requested by the Deputy, the military authorities inform me that the number of inductions from the Ordnance Cadetship competition in 2023 was 1 induction, in 2024 there was 1 induction and in 2025 there were 2 inductions.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

240. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if unconscious bias training, quotas or participation targets relating to race, gender, ethnicity or religious status are in place for any activities or in recruitment for the Defence Forces. [58638/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Defence Forces employs the principles of equal opportunities in all its policies, procedures, instructions and regulations and is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace, where dignity and respect are afforded to all, regardless of rank, gender, race, religion, civil status, family status, sexual orientation or ethnicity.

The Defence Forces are fully committed to promoting equality in all aspects of their work to ensure everyone is treated fairly and is provided with the same opportunities.

To this end, a number of measures are in place including mandatory unconscious bias training for all personnel.

There are currently no quotas in place in the Defence Forces. However, the Commission on the Defence Forces has set out targets relating to an increased female participation. This will be achieved through a combination of inductions and civilianisation of some tasks, as well as direct entry into more senior, and specialist positions across the Defence organisation along with increased female participation on career courses. Further consideration is required on the optimal approach to meeting the intent of the Commission.

With the goal of enhancing female recruitment and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, initiatives include:

• An increase in the staffing levels in recruitment-based appointments and outsourcing parts of the recruitment process in the Naval Service, specifically to improve the overall candidate experience and level of engagement with applicants during the recruitment process.
• A female specific recruitment advertising tender competition was conducted in 2025. The Advertising Campaign is in development and is expected to launch Q1 2026.
• Role specific recruitment has been used to greater effect, including Direct Entry roles and General Service roles. These campaigns highlight the variety of roles in the Defence Forces and allow those who may not have thought there was a role for them, to consider the Defence Forces as a career opportunity.
• Increased reach-out on all Defence Forces social media, highlighting roles and competitions.
• Increased and targeted engagement with schools, especially those who don’t traditionally join the Defence Forces.