asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has any plans to step down FCA officers and men on full time duty with the Permanent Defence Force; if his attention has been drawn to the serious problems this would create in the Border area which is at present under pressure due to a reduction of Permanent Defence Force numbers at every rank; if the research and development advisory section has made any such recommendation to him, in particular that FCA officers and men would be incorporated into the Permanent Defence Force at the lower rank and pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Permanent Defence Force.
193.
Limerick West): The position of these personnel has been under examination in my Department for some time. A decision in the matter will be made as soon as possible.
194.
asked the Minister for Defence the number of women who have applied to join the Permanent Defence Force in each year since 1980; and the number actually enlisted in each year since then.
Limerick West): The statistics in respect of females who applied to join the Army and those who are enlisted from 1980 are as follows:—
Year |
Applied |
Enlisted |
1980 |
115 |
Nil |
1981 |
769 |
41 |
1982 |
135 |
Nil |
1983 |
173 |
Nil |
1984 |
189 |
Nil |
1985 |
155 |
Nil |
1986 |
159 |
Nil |
1987 |
88 |
Nil |
1988 |
24 |
Nil |