Defence Forces Personnel Data

Thursday, 6 February 2014

Questions (157)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total number of women in the Defence Forces; the extent to which this number has fluctuated in the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5982/14]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

The attached tables contain the strength of Women in the Permanent Defence Force, broken down into Army, Air Corps and Naval Service for each of the years 2009 to 2013.

The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. All promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit.The Defence Forces prides itself on providing a gender neutral working environment. Policies on equality are being constantly communicated to all ranks. The military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing this matter in a continuing and proactive manner.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the strength figures for the period 2009 - 2012 include personnel who were on secondment to, and being paid by other organisations, or on career breaks. The 31 December 2013 strength figures have been calculated on the basis of actual numbers serving on that date, excluding those members who are on secondment to, and being paid by other organisations, or on career breaks. All future strength figures will be calculated on this basis.

Strength of Females in the Permanent Defence Force

31/12/09
-	LT	MAJ	BRIG	COL	LT	COMDT	CAPT	LT	TOTAL	SM	BQMS	CS	CQMS	SGTS	CPLS	TOTAL	PTES	CADETS	TOTAL
-	GEN	GEN	GEN		COL				OFFRS							NCOS
ARMY					2	19	43	47	111			3	1	32	109	145	194	12	462
AIR CORPS							4	1	5			1		4	10	15	12	1	33
NAVAL SERVICE						2	10	11	23						9	9	34	6	72
TOTAL					2	21	57	59	139			4	1	36	128	169	240	19	567

Strength of Females in the Permanent Defence Force

31/12/10	LT	MAJ	BRIG	COL	LT	COMDT	CAPT	LT	TOTAL	SM	BQMS	CS	CQMS	SGTS	CPLS	TOTAL	PTES	CADETS	TOTAL
	GEN	GEN	GEN		COL				OFFRS							NCOS
ARMY					1	18	41	51	111			2	1	33	109	145	200	11	467
AIR CORPS							4	2	6			1		4	9	14	12		32
NAVAL SERVICE						2	10	14	26						8	8	34	2	70
TOTAL					1	20	55	67	143			3	1	37	126	167	346	13	569

Strength of Females in the Permanent Defence Force

31/12/11	LT	MAJ	BRIG	COL	LT	COMDT	CAPT	LT	TOTAL	SM	BQMS	CS	CQMS	SGTS	CPLS	TOTAL	PTES	CADETS	TOTAL
	GEN	GEN	GEN		COL				OFFRS							NCOS
ARMY					2	19	46	45	112			2	1	35	119	157	194	4	467
AIR CORPS							2	3	5			1		4	13	18	7	1	30
NAVAL SERVICE						3	13	12	28						11	11	28	1	68
TOTAL					2	22	61	60	145			3	1	39	143	186	229	5	565

Strength of Females in the Permanent Defence Force

31/12/12	LT	MAJ	BRIG	COL	LT	COMDT	CAPT	LT	TOTAL	SM	BQMS	CS	CQMS	SGTS	CPLS	TOTAL	PTES	CADETS	TOTAL
	GEN	GEN	GEN		COL				OFFRS							NCOS
ARMY					2	26	43	43	114			2		33	120	155	209	4	482
AIR CORPS							2	2	4	1				4	13	18	8		30
NAVAL SERVICE						6	12	10	28					2	10	12	28	2	70
TOTAL					2	32	57	55	146	1		2		39	143	185	245	6	582

Strength of Females in the Permanent Defence Forces

31/12/13	LT	MAJ	BRIG	COL	LT	COMDT	CAPT	LT	TOTAL	SM	BQMS	CS	CQMS	SGTS	CPLS	TOTAL	PTES	CADETS	TOTAL
	GEN	GEN	GEN		COL				OFFRS							NCOS
ARMY					2	27	32	42	103			1	1	43	118	163	182	3	450
AIR CORPS							5	2	7	1				6	10	17	7		31
NAVAL SERVICE						6	9	11	26					2	10	12	26	1	65
TOTAL					2	33	46	55	136	1		1	1	51	138	192	214	4	546