Bernard Durkan
Question:261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of women serving in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3263/16]
View answerTuesday, 26 January 2016
Questions (261)
Written answers
The total number of women serving in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps was 552 as of 31 December, 2015. The number serving in all three branches of the Defence Forces is broken down by rank in Table 2 as follows:-
Table 2: The number of women serving (whole time equivalent) in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, by rank (as on 31 December 2015).
|
Rank |
Army |
Naval Service |
Air Corps |
|
Lieutenant General |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Major General |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Brigadier General |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Colonel |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Commandant |
28 |
6 |
1 |
|
Captain |
36 |
16 |
7 |
|
Lieutenant |
30 |
2 |
0 |
|
Sergeant Major |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Company Sergeant |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
Sergeant |
59 |
6 |
5 |
|
Corporal |
111 |
8 |
8 |
|
Private |
183 |
20 |
10 |
|
Cadets |
5 |
3 |
0 |
|
Total |
458 |
61 |
33 |
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. 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.