Vol. 443 No. 9
16 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence, in regard to the Permanent Defence Forces, the number of women who are officers and other ranks; the proportion this represents in each case; the highest rank currently held by a woman; the proposals, if any, he has to facilitate the promotion of women; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
On 1 June there were 46 female officers and 111 non-commissioned female personnel serving in the Permanent Defence Force. This represented approximately 3 per cent of the officer strength and 1 per cent of the strength of non-commissioned personnel.
At present, the highest rank held by a women is Commandant and four women hold that rank.
Women are eligible for promotion on the same basis as their male colleagues and gender is not a factor in the selection process.
