Perhaps the Deputy was distributing largesse.
Four women, including one officer, are at present serving overseas. On 29 February 1992 the number of women in the Permanent Defence Forces was 111.
In recent times both the role and number of women in the Defence Forces have been expanded and it is my intention that this process will continue. In 1991, for the first time women are eligible to apply for apprenticeships in both the Army and Air Corps Apprentice Schools and they also became eligible for enlistment in the FCA. This year's competition for Air Corps cadetships will for the first time be open to female applicants.
A board recently examined the entire question of the employment of women in the Defence Forces. All aspects of their service in the forces, including the question of the expansion of their role, were considered. The report of this board has just been finalised and is under active consideration.