Vol. 426 No. 6
47 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence the number of women members of each of the sections of the Defence Forces; the percentage this represents in each case; the plans, if any, he has for increased female membership in each case; if he will confirm that all sections and positions within the Defence Forces are now open to women; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There are 117 women serving in the Permanent Defence Force. Of this total 107 are serving in the Army and ten in the Air Corps. This represents 0.91 per cent and 0.98 per cent respectively of the total strengths involved.
There are 192 women in the FCA which is 1.24 per cent of the total strength.
A decision in principle has already been taken to end the restrictions which have prevented women from serving in all areas of the Defence Forces. The military authorities are engaged in the detailed planning necessary to implement this decision. While it is not possible to say when this planning will be completed, the position is that women are now eligible on the same basis as men for employment on operational and ceremonial duties, for assignment to military courses and for promotion. In essence the basis of selection in all of these areas will henceforward be suitability rather than gender.
The question of further recruitment of female personnel is kept under review in the light of operational requirements.
I thank the Minister for his reply, which is largely the same one received in October last when I addressed a similar question to his predecessor, Mr. Wilson. At that stage he was not in a position to tell us how many women were in the Naval Service. Perhaps the Minister will be in a position today to tell us how many women are in the Naval Service and what proportion of the Naval Service they make up. Could he indicate if they are encouraged to join the Naval Service? I understand there is active discouragement.
The position is as follows: there are practical considerations which have prevented the enlistment of women in the Naval Service. All members of the Naval Service are liable to serve at sea and the Naval Service vessels do not have separate accommodation and sanitary facilities which would be required by female personnel. The report of the board looking into the whole question mentioned that the question of enlistment of women in the naval service required an in-depth logistical analysis. As a first step, a female Army officer has been assigned to the Naval Service to study at first hand and report on the problems involved but I would like to assure the Deputy that this matter is being very seriously addressed. I would like to think that in the not too distant future women will be enlisted into our Navy.
That disposes of Questions for today.
Welcome as it is that women can act in this ceremonial role in the Army, how many women are serving with Irish troops in the United Nations forces around the world and is there any embargo on that particular——
That seems to be a separate question.
There is no embargo on women serving in the United Nations forces and, yes, I will provide the Deputy with the relevant figures.
That disposes of Questions for today.
