Gay Mitchell
Question:80 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the number of women in the Defence Forces; the percentage of the total number this represents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22967/98]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Personnel.
Nora Owen
Question:117 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Defence the steps, if any, he has taken to encourage the increased participation of women in the Defence Forces to fulfil the commitment made in An Action Programme for the Millennium. [17894/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 117 together.
There are currently a total of 315 women in the Permanent Defence Forces which represents 2.8 per cent of the total strength. Women are eligible for service in the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service and in the Reserve Defence Forces 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 increased participation by women in the Defence Forces I decided earlier this year to reduce the height requirement for all female recruits to 5'4".