asked the Minister for Defence the action he proposes to take to rectify the position regarding the discrimination against women in applications for apprenticeships in the Defence Forces.
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Apprenticeships.
302.
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, five female doctors, one female dentist and 40 female other ranks have joined the Permanent Defence Force. As regards apprenticeships, 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. The question of providing such accommodation will continue to be considered in the context of competing demands on scarce resources.