Defence Forces Strength.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2009

Tuesday, 3 March 2009

Ceisteanna (292)

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

327 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the strength by rank and gender of the Army, Naval and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8327/09]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

A detailed breakdown of the strength by rank and gender of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps are in the form of a Tabular Statement. The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Female strength in the Permanent Defence Force has increased from 468 at the end of 2001 to 570 as at 31 December 2008.

Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. All promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit.

STRENGTH OF MALES IN THE DEFENCE FORCES 31-Dec-08
	LT Gen	Maj Gen	Brig Gen	Col	LT Col	Comdt	Capt	LT	Total Offrs	SM	BQMS	CS	CQMS	SGTS	CPLS	Total NCOS	PTES	Cadets	Total
Army	1	3	7	41	130	284	189	305	960	32	36	132	250	1,016	1,359	2,826	4194	58	8,038
Air Corps			1	2	12	32	54	42	143	7	4	47	15	132	161	366	278	13	800
Naval Service			1	2	12	41	32	49	137	6	7	76	15	216	166	486	367	10	1,000
Total	1	3	9	45	154	357	275	396	1,240	45	47	255	280	1,364	1,686	3678	4,839	81	9,838
STRENGTH OF FEMALES IN THE DEFENCE FORCES 31-Dec-08
	LT Gen	Maj Gen	Brig Gen	Col	LT Col	Comdt	Capt	LT	Total Offrs	SM	BQMS	CS	CQMS	SGTS	CPLS	Total NCOS	PTES	Cadets	Total
Army					1	21	48	41	111			3	1	32	108	144	200	13	468
Air Corps							2	2	4			1		3	10	14	13	1	32
Naval Service						2	10	11	23						9	9	35	3	70
Total					1	23	60	54	138			4	1	35	127	167	248	17	570
STRENGTH OF THE DEFENCE FORCES 31-Dec-08
	LT Gen	Maj Gen	Brig Gen	Col	LT Col	Comdt	Capt	LT	Total Offrs	SM	BQMS	CS	CQMS	SGTS	CPLS	Total NCOS	PTES	Cadets	Total
Army	1	3	7	41	131	305	237	346	1071	32	39	133	251	1,048	1,467	2,970	4,394	71	8,506
Air Corps			1	2	12	32	56	44	147	7	4	48	15	135	171	380	291	14	832
Naval Service			1	2	12	43	42	60	160	6	7	76	15	216	175	495	402	13	1,070
Total	1	3	9	45	155	380	335	450	1,378	45	50	257	281	1,399	1,813	3,845	5,087	98	10,408