John Brady
Question:799. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of women recruited to the Defence Forces in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14955/21]
View answerWednesday, 24 March 2021
Questions (799, 801, 802)
John Brady
Question:801. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces has undertaken recruitment drives or campaigns specifically targeted at women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14957/21]
View answerJohn Brady
Question:802. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces has undertaken recruitment drives or campaigns specifically targeted at citizens from an ethnic background; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14958/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 799, 801 and 802 together.
The following table shows the number of women inducted into the Permanent Defence Force in each of the past five years:
|
Year |
Total Females Inducted |
% of Total Inductions |
|
2016 |
54 |
7.8% |
|
2017 |
69 |
9.2% |
|
2018 |
50 |
8.2% |
|
2019 |
44 |
7.3% |
|
2020 |
42 |
7.8% |
The military authorities advise that a number of initiatives have been undertaken with a view to increasing the number of women who join the Defence Forces.
These include the launching of a strategic campaign with the specific objective of increasing the induction of women into the organisation. In addition to traditional media, the campaign was supported by social media posts, using serving female personnel as role models.
Current campaigns have an enduring requirement to reach out to females within the recruitment demographic via a variety of channels, including social media, sporting organisations and schools.
The military authorities further advise that potential applicants from an ethnic background are included in the target demographic that the Defence Forces seeks to reach in regular campaigns and ongoing promotions through various channels.
The target demographic and associated gatekeepers, are reached through traditional media, schools and various recruitment events, including multicultural events when such opportunities present.
Question No. 800 answered with Question No. 793.
Questions Nos. 801 and 802 answered with Question No. 799.