I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 38, 42, 54, 64 and 66 together.
The strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps on 31 August 1997 was 9,230, 1,096 and 985 respectively, making a total strength of 11,311.
The female strength in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps on that date was 266, 10 and 18 respectively. These figures represent 2.88 per cent, 0.91 per cent and 1.83 per cent of the overall strength of each of the components. Overall the total female strength of the Permanent Defence Force on 31 August was 2.6 per cent.
Women are eligible for service in the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service and the Reserve Defence Force 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 is suitability rather than gender and there are no gender quotas.