Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 5

Written Answers. - Recruitment of Females.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

200 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the current policy in relation to recruitment of females to the second line reserve; when female applications to the Artillery and Infantry Corps and the Naval Service will be attested; the current number of females in the second line reserve; when the first members were attested; when number one uniforms are usually issued to male members of the reserve; when the first number one uniforms were issued to female members; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Andrews)

Recruitment of female personnel to the second line reserve will take place in 1993 and proposals in this regard are under consideration by the military authorities at present. In the short term it is hoped to recruit approximately 160 female personnel from the existing waiting list.

Female personnel recruited to the FCA in 1993 will have access to all Units in the Reserve Defence Forces including the Artillery and Infantry Corps. Female personnel currently serving in other Corps of the FCA will be permitted to transfer to Artillery and Infantry Corps Units if they wish. The question of recruitment of female personnel to An Slua Muiri is at present also under consideration.

Recruitment of females to the FCA commenced in September, 1991 and a total of 200 female personnel were enlisted in the FCA in that year. There are one hundred and eighty (180) female personnel serving at present in the FCA.

Service Dress Number One uniform is issued to all personnel of the FCA (both male and female) on completion of one years service and is currently being issued to the first intake of female personnel.