Trevor Sargent
Question:249 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the number of women who are members of the Defence Forces; and the plans, if any, that exist to increase these numbers. [9481/98]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Personnel.
The number of female personnel serving in the Defence Forces at 31 December 1997, the latest date for which statistics are available, is shown in the form of a tabular statement which I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
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 general 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 order to encourage participation by women in the Defence Forces I have decided to reduce the height requirement for female recruits to 5' 4".
Female Personnel in Defence Forces on 31 December 1997.
|
Comdt. |
Capt. |
Lt. |
2-Lt. |
Sgt. |
Cpl. |
Pte. |
|
|
|
4 |
27 |
10 |
11 |
11 |
25 |
149 |
|
FCA |
– |
– |
– |
– |
5 |
168 |
2,934 |