Vol. 501 No. 2
132 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the number of women who are officers and other ranks in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; the proportion of the overall total this represents in each case; the plans, if any, he has to increase the number of female personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4994/99]
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.
To encourage increased participation by women in the Defence Forces I decided last year to reduce the height requirement for all female recruits to 5' 4".
The statistical information requested is not readily available but I am having it compiled and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
