Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 March 2017
219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the total number of women in each of the Defence Forces, at all ranks, in each of the past five years and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15709/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out the number of ‘Whole-time equivalent’ female personnel in each of the three elements of the Permanent Defence Force as of year end for the period 2012 – 2016 and as regards this year, until 28 February 2017, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
|
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Army |
485 |
470 |
464 |
458 |
476 |
477 |
|
Air Corps |
30 |
35 |
35 |
33 |
33 |
33 |
|
Naval Service |
68 |
64 |
64 |
61 |
59 |
60 |
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. The Defence Forces have no restrictions with regard to the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties, and all promotions and career courses are open to both sexes on merit.
One impediment in achieving greater numbers of women serving in the Defence Forces is the lack of women recruitment applicants relative to men which may be as a result of societal perception and attitudes to female soldiers and officers.
In recent times there have been a number of initiatives to encourage greater female participation, such as:
- The introduction of best practices in recruitment, such as the adjustment of physical standards for female applicants,
- Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment,
- A balanced composition between men and women on recruitment and selection boards,
- All promotions and career courses are open to both sexes on merit,
- A Gender Advisor has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces.
Over the lifetime of the White Paper 2015 it is planned to develop further initiatives to encourage more women to apply for the Defence Forces and to increase female participation at all ranks.
