Vol. 462 No. 6
10 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the number of females recruited into the Defence Forces in each of the years from 1990 to 1995; the number of males and females commissioned serving in the Defence Forces; the plans, if any, he has to further expand the opportunities open to women in the armed forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5143/96]
As the reply to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose to circulate it in the Official Report.
Since 1992 women have been eligible to serve in the Army, the Air Corps and the FCA and to compete for all appointments on an equal basis and under the same conditions as those which apply to men. All female personnel undergo the same training and receive the same military education as their male counterparts. In essence the basis of selection in all areas is now suitability rather than gender.
Tabular Statement
Recruitment of women to the Permanent Defence Force
|
Year |
Number recruited |
Category |
|
1990 |
34 |
4 Cadets, 30 Recruits for General Service |
|
1991 |
13 |
6 Cadets, 7 Apprentices |
|
1992 |
5 |
3 Cadets, 2 Apprentices |
|
1993 |
5 |
3 Cadets, 2 Apprentices |
|
1994 |
60 |
3 Cadets, 57 Recruits for General Service |
|
1995 |
4 |
4 Cadets |
|
Number of Male Officers |
1,488 |
|
Number of Female Officers |
54 |
|
Total Officers |
1,542 |
