Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
380. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the statements made to the Commission on the Defence Forces by an organisation (details supplied) concerning discrimination against women in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11592/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government committed to an independent Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces. This independent Commission on the Defence Forces was established by Government in December 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months. The Government also approved the Terms of Reference and the membership of the Commission. As part of a broader consultation process, the Commission has launched its website and has invited submissions from individuals and organisations on issues relevant to its Terms of Reference.
I understand that the Representative Association representing enlisted personnel, PDFORRA, has met with the Commission and made a submission. The Commission has been established as an independent body and the PDFORRA submission has not been shared with my Department. The Commission’s overall approach will be guided and informed by both the White Paper on Defence 2015 and the White Paper Update 2019, which include projects to ensure that the development and promotion of strategies that support female participation in the Defence Forces is continued.
The Defence Forces are committed to promoting equality in all aspects of their work. This is set out in the Defence Forces Equality Policy, which commits to ensuring that the principles of equality are adhered to in all its employment policies, procedures, instructions and regulations. This ongoing commitment is also exemplified in the Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan.
In line with such policies and commitments a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female recruitment and participation in the Defence Forces, which include the following:
- A Gender, Equality and Diversity Officer has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces.
- A Defence Forces Women's Network was established with the aim of increasing the participation of female personnel at all levels of the organisation.
