asked the Minister for Defence the reason women are being discriminated against by not allowing them to apply for apprenticeships in the Permanent Defence Force.
Written Answers. - Defence Forces, Apprenticeships.
392.
I do not accept the implication in the question. While the Employment Equality Act, 1977, does not apply to employment in the Defence Forces, the principles of equality enshrined therein are borne in mind in the continuing development of the employment of women in the Defence Forces. Since 1980, 20 female cadets, four female doctors and 40 female other ranks have joined the Permanent Defence Forces. As regards apprenticeships, the position is that, because of a shortage of suitable accommodation, it has not been found possible so far to provide for an intake of female apprentices to the Permanent Defence Force.