Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
582. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of women currently occupying senior ranks in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34451/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that, as at 31st May 2022, the whole time equivalent strength of female personnel in the Permanent Defence Force was 586, comprised of 477 Army personnel, 40 Air Corps personnel and 69 Naval Service personnel. The attached table provides the requested breakdown of strength by rank and by Branch.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation.
In the context of the White Paper on Defence, a specific project is ongoing to conduct a survey to identify any impediments to the advancement of women in the Permanent Defence Force.
Furthermore, the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces included, inter alia, consideration of gender, recruitment and retention matters. Consideration of the Commission’s recommendations is ongoing and I intend to revert shortly to Government with a proposed response to those recommendations and a high-level action plan, which will set out proposed timelines and oversight arrangements for its implementation.
