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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 3

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Recruitment.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

20 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the number of women currently serving in the Defence Forces and their ranks; the actions, if any, which he will take to implement the commitment in An Action Programme for the Millennium to encourage the increased participation of women in the Defence Forces and to ensure the facilities necessary for their full participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18163/97]

Paul McGrath

Question:

24 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has to place new recruits into the Defence Forces at Columb Barracks, Mullingar; the plans, if any, he has for the expansion of the Defence Forces at this barracks; and if he will make a statement regarding the future of this barracks. [18122/97]

Michael Creed

Question:

53 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Defence if he will continue the process of continuous recruitment in 1998 to the Defence Forces; and the number of recruits which will be required. [18173/97]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

66 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the number of women currently in the Defence Forces; whether women are encouraged to join in big numbers; and, if not, the measures, if any, taken to encourage them. [23030/97]

Deirdre Clune

Question:

79 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Defence his views on current difficulties in recruiting to the Defence Forces; and the way in which he intends to deal with this problem. [18179/97]

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

95 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the target, if any, he has set in order to increase female participation in the PDF and, if so, the time frame in this regard. [23082/97]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 24, 53, 66, 79 and 95 together.

On 30 September 1996, the latest date in respect of which the military authorities have compiled strength statistics, a total of 256 females were serving in the Permanent Defence Force. There were five in the rank of commandant, 27 in the rank of captain, ten in the rank of lieutenant, 11 in the rank of second lieutenant, 11 in the rank of sergeant, 25 in the rank of corporal and 154 in the rank of private and 13 female cadets in training.

Women are eligible for service in the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service and in the Reserve Defence Force 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 for recruitment and for advancement in service is suitability rather than gender and there are no gender quotas.

The deployment of military personnel, including recruits on completion of their recruit training, is a matter for the military authorities having regard to the operational requirements of the Permanent Defence Force generally. Accordingly, should the military authorities consider that additional personnel are required in Columb Barracks, the matter will be examined by them in that context.

The Defence Force review implementation plan envisages the amalgamation of certain units of the Permanent Defence Force and in that regard it is to be expected that, in common with the position in all other barracks, amalgamation and relocation of some of the units currently based in Mullingar is likely to take place. The implementation plan of the EAG review group provides for the recruitment of 1,000 military personnel over the three year period of the plan which commenced in 1996. This plan is based on the reorganisation of the Permanent Defence Force on the basis of a three brigade structure with a total strength of 11,500.

One of the key areas identified for urgent action by the efficiency audit group was the development of a personnel policy with emphasis on lowering the age profile. It is essential, to maintain the operational effectiveness of the Defence Forces, that new young blood continues to be recruited into the organisation which is essentially a young persons's profession. The target strength of 11,500 at the end of the three year period of the first phase of the plan and the lowering of the age profile, are being addressed by means of a programme of recruitment of young personnel on a continuous basis combined with a voluntary early retirement scheme.
In 1996 the enlistment of 200 recruits was authorised and in 1997 the enlistment of a further 600 was authorised. In addition, 46 cadetships were awarded to successful candidates in 1997. A competition for the award of 17 apprenticeships is nearing completion and it is envisaged that the successful candidates will be enlisted in early January.
With regard to the numbers seeking to join the Permanent Defence Force, a factor which has affected the number of potential applicants for general service enlistment is the more targeted recruitment policy adopted in recent years. In 1996, the upper age limit for recruits was reduced from 27 to 21 years on enlistment. This followed specifically on a recommendation of the efficiency audit group and its consultants who reviewed the organisation and structure of the Defence Forces. This policy is specifically geared towards achieving a much needed reduction in the age profile of the Permanent Defence Force.
In the case of cadetships, the educational standards required have been raised in recent years in order to reflect the standards required for third level college entrants. This has had a consequential impact on the number of eligible applicants.
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