Defence Forces Strength

Wednesday, 7 July 2010

Ceisteanna (297)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

311 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of officers by rank and gender throughout the Defence Forces; the extent to which such numbers have fluctuated in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30753/10]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence (Deputy Tony Killeen)

The number of officers by rank and gender throughout the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 May 2010, the latest date for which figures are available, and for the years 2008 and 2009 is provided in the tabular statements. Overall, the number of officers in the PDF has remained constant in recent years with female officers accounting for approximately 11% of the total number in each of the years.

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.

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.

The Defence Forces prides itself on providing a gender neutral working environment. Policies on equality are being constantly communicated to all ranks. The military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing this matter in a continuing and proactive manner.

STRENGTH OF MALE OFFICERS IN THE PDF AS AT 31 MAY 2010

	LT GEN	MAJ GEN	BRIG GEN	COL	LT COL	COMDT	CAPT	LT	TOTAL OFFRS
ARMY	1	2	6	34	110	268	236	296	953
AIR CORPS			1	2	12	29	62	37	143
NAVAL SERVICE			1	2	12	35	39	46	135
TOTAL	1	2	8	38	134	332	337	379	1231

STRENGTH OF FEMALE OFFICERS IN THE PDF AS AT 31 MAY 2010

	LT GEN	MAJ GEN	BRIG GEN	COL	LT	COMDT	CAPT	LT	TOTAL OFFRS
ARMY					2	19	42	51	114
AIR CORPS							4	2	6
NAVAL SERVICE						2	10	11	23
TOTAL					2	21	56	64	143

STRENGTH OF MALE OFFICERS IN THE PDF AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2009

	LT GEN	MAJ GEN	BRIG GEN	COL	LT COL	COMDT	CAPT	LT	TOTAL OFFRS
ARMY	1	2	6	31	113	271	240	266	930
AIR CORPS			1	1	13	29	62	31	137
NAVAL SERVICE			1	0	13	37	39	51	141
TOTAL	1	2	8	32	139	337	341	348	1208

STRENGTH OF FEMALE OFFICERS IN THE PDF AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2009

	LT GEN	MAJ GEN	BRIG GEN	COL	LT COL	COMDT	CAPT	LT	TOTAL OFFRS
ARMY					2	19	43	47	111
AIR CORPS							4	1	5
NAVAL SERVICE						2	10	11	23
TOTAL					2	21	57	59	139

STRENGTH OF MALE OFFICERS IN THE PDF AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2008

	LT GEN	MAJ GEN	BRIG GEN	COL	LT COL	COMDT	CAPT	LT	TOTAL OFFRS
ARMY	1	3	7	41	130	284	189	305	960
AIR CORPS			1	2	12	32	54	42	143
NAVAL SERVICE			1	2	12	41	32	49	137
TOTAL	1	3	9	45	154	357	275	396	1,240

STRENGTH OF FEMALE OFFICERS IN THE PDF AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2008

	LT GEN	MAJ GEN	BRIG GEN	COL	LT COL	COMDT	CAPT	LT	TOTAL OFFRS
ARMY					1	21	48	41	111
AIR CORPS							2	2	4
NAVAL SERVICE						2	10	11	23
TOTAL					1	23	60	54	138