Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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227. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the actions she is taking to address proposals that soldiers are seeing their rations cut (details supplied); and if she believes that this is an appropriate course of action. [68062/26]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that there has been no cut to rations for newly commissioned Defence Forces Officers undertaking full time fulltime third level courses in the University of Galway.

Young officers attending these third level courses can avail of meals in Barracks at the following cost - Breakfast - €2.50, Lunch - €3.50, Dinner - €4.50.

Such Officers are also provided with accommodation. The cost of accommodation ranges from €24.35 per month to €40.20 per month, depending on the rank of the Officer.

The Officers also receive full salary for the duration of the course. Starting salaries of a newly commissioned officer range from €46,823 to €52,265 per annum. In addition all college fees are paid for the officers in question.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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228. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of females currently in recruit training in each of the three branches of the Defence Forces. [68060/26]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The military authorities have advised that, as of 22 September 2026, the following number of women were in General Service Recruit training across each of the services:

A range of initiatives aimed at increasing the level of female participation in the Permanent Defence Force are currently in train. These include:

1. The establishment of the GENAD office (Gender Adviser) which provides expert advice to senior military management and the Defence Forces Board regarding gender equality, integration, and the implementation of a gender perspective in operations and policy;
2. Awareness campaigns to attract females into DF careers;
3. The availability of both women and men at career and outreach events;
4. Ongoing review of recruitment processes to ensure that they are inclusive;
5. Inclusion of a female perspective in marketing;
6. The creation of new induction streams;
7. The launch of a comprehensive advertising campaign aimed specifically at female candidates in February 2026, which has completed two cycles to date.