Patrick McCartan
Question:9 Mr. McCartan asked the Taoiseach the number of female personnel recruited to the FCA to date; if any target level has been set for recruitment for 1991; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Female Recruits to FCA.
It is proposed to enlist up to 200 female personnel in the FCA later this year. Recruitment is expected to commence in April.
I am amazed to think that the Taoiseach might have heralded this reply as suggesting good news. Would he agree that of a total of 15,000 current recruits in the FCA the figure of 200 is derisory? Could he advise the House as to the reasons for the delay in the Department's recruiting any females into the Defence Forces? Is the Taoiseach aware that the former Minister, Deputy Lenihan, whom he dismissed from Government, advised the public as long ago as 20 September that as a matter of urgency women would be recruited to the FCA? What is the cause of the delay to date?
I do not think it is derisory. Great events always have to begin with one small step and we are taking a small step. In fact, 200 compares very favourably with the PDF, in which there are 90 women. The Deputy will understand that it is not a simple exercise to get women into the FCA. The nature of the FCA is that it is scattered throughout the country and we have to begin by recruiting in larger centres where facilities are available. We will then carry on the process throughout the Force. This is a preliminary step and it is the right way to proceed.
The Taoiseach indicated that preliminary steps have to be taken. The previous Minister for Defence, Deputy Lenihan, had indicated a problem with accommodation. Could the Taoiseach outline the practical steps which have been taken with regard to accommodation and could he indicate the general areas in which these female recruits will be assigned and the duties they will be required to carry out?
This is a widening of the question. Accommodation and other matters referred to are worthy of a separate question.
The areas in which appropriate facilities can be provided will be announced in due course. By and large the new women members of the Force will be employed in areas such as transport, signals, police and so on.