asked the Minister for Defence the number of females at each rank in (a) the Army, (b) the Air Corps and (c) the Naval Service: if he is satisfied with the current situation with regard to the number of females within the Defence Forces; and the procedure to ensure equality of treatment within the Forces and the procedures used for selection of members for the Forces.
Written Answers. - Female Personnel in Defence Forces.
23.
On 31 May 1986 the following female personnel were serving in the Army:
|
Captains |
7 |
|
Lieutenants |
18 |
|
Sergeants |
3 |
|
Corporals |
13 |
|
Privates |
20 |
|
Total |
61 |
There are no females serving in either the Air Corps or Naval Service.
The strength of the permanen Defence Force is determined from time to time in the light of military require ments and does not differentiate between male and female members.
Because of the non-combatant role o female personnel enlistment for genera service has been confined to male person nel in recent times. The question of recru iting additional female personnel i reviewed periodically in the light of cur rent strengths and commitments.
All personnel in the permaner Defence Forces are treated in accordanc with the Defence Act, 1954, and Defenc Force Regulations. It is intended to enlis a number of female cadets in 1986.