Apart from the Naval Service and An Slua Muirí, women are now eligible to compete for all appointments in the Defence Forces on an equal basis with men. A decision in principle has been taken to enlist women in the Naval Service as soon as the necessary practical arrangements can be put in place. I expect that there will be an initial intake of women to the Naval Service in 1994.
A total of 118 women are currently serving in the Permanent Defence Force, 47 Officers, 7 Cadates, 22 Non-Commissioned Officers and 42 Privates. There are 483 women serving in the FCA of whom 291 were recruited this year.