Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2015
413. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the number of women throughout the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps has fluctuated during the embargo on recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12127/15]
View answerThe Defence Forces traditionally has a high turnover rate of personnel. As a result, the public service recruitment embargo had a limited impact on the Defence Force's recruitment processes. Cadet induction took place in all years since 2008 while General Service recruitment took place in all years except 2009. General Service recruitment into the Defence Forces is a continuous process with the aim of attaining the agreed strength level of 9,500.
Females make up 6.1% of the Permanent Defence Force strength. This figure has remained steady in recent years with the five year average also calculated at 6.1%. The Defence Forces' recruitment policy continues to target this demographic, with the aim of maximising female participation at all ranks within the Defence Forces.
