Alan Shatter
Question:42 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence the number of women who have applied for acceptance into the Ranger Wing Recruitment course.
Written Answers. - Ranger Wing Recruitment.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:46 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline (1) the total number of personnel currently serving in the Army Ranger Wing, (2) if it is intended to recruit female personnel to the unit, (3) the number of female recruits anticipated and (4) when they are likely to be taken on; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 46 together.
It is not the practice to disclose strength figures for individual units of the Permanent Defence Force.
All members of the Permanent Defence Forces, both men and women, are eligible to undergo the selection process for the Army Ranger Wing. To date only one such application has been by a woman.