Vol. 573 No. 3
151 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if there are plans to facilitate the promotion of women to higher commissioned ranks within the Defence Forces in view of the fact that there is no woman above the rank of commandant in the Army, captain in the Air Corps and lieutenant in the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25263/03]
The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve Defence Force, and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Women are eligible for service in the Army, the Air Corps, the Naval Service and the Reserve Defence Force and to compete for promotion on an equal basis and under the same general conditions as those which apply to men. Female officers are generally being promoted at the same stage in their careers as male officers. All female personnel undergo the same training and receive the same military education as their male counterparts.
There are currently 94 female officers serving in the Permanent Defence Force, comprising one lieutenant colonel, 13 commandants, 30 captains and 31 lieutenants in the Army, one captain and two lieutenants in the Air Corps and two lieutenants, ten sub-lieutenants and four ensigns in the Naval Service.
Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 131.
Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 142.
