Vol. 460 No. 8
15 Mr. D. Wallace asked the Minister for Defence the number of males and females at each level in the Defence Forces; and the precise steps, if any, he is taking to improve the percentage of females in the workforce under his control. [1960/96]
As the reply to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose to circulate it in the Official Report.
Since 1992 women have been eligible to serve in the Army, the Air Corps and the FCA and to compete for all appointments on an equal basis and under the same conditions as those which apply to men. All female personnel undergo the same training and receive the same military education as their male counterparts. In essence the basis of selection in all areas is now suitability rather than gender.
Tabular Statement.
The number of males and females currently serving in the Permanent Defence Force is as follows:
|
Men |
Women |
|
|
Officers |
1,494 |
56 |
|
Non-Commissioned Officers |
5,046 |
29 |
|
Privates |
5,958 |
93 |
|
Cadets |
62 |
7 |
|
Total |
12,560 |
185 |
|
Men |
Women |
|
|
Officers |
652 |
Nil |
|
Non-Commissioned Officers |
3,034 |
59 |
|
Privates |
11,297 |
2,622 |
|
Total |
14,983 |
2,681 |
16 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence the number expected to avail of the voluntary early retirement scheme during 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2072/96]
I understand that there is a considerable degree of interest in a voluntary early retirement scheme among personnel of the Permanent Defence Force. The terms of such a scheme, which have yet to be finalised, will be commensurate with those offered in other areas of the public service. In the circumstances, it is difficult to predict how many personnel will wish to avail of the scheme. I am confident, however, that it will make a significant contribution to the reduction in strength of 1,300 personnel which was decided last year by the Government.
I assure the House that all those wishing to avail of voluntary early retirement scheme will be dealt with in a humane and equitable fashion having regard to their needs and those of the organisation.
