John Brady
Ceist:406. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current number of women in the Defence Forces, by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4520/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 31 January 2023
Ceisteanna (406, 407, 408)
John Brady
Ceist:407. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current number of women in the Defence Forces who are currently serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4521/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Brady
Ceist:408. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of women members who have left the Defence Forces in 2023, by month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4522/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 406, 407 and 408 together.
As at 31 December 2022, there were 564 female members of the Permanent Defence Force, 28 of whom were serving overseas.
The requested breakdown of the total female strength of 564, by rank, is as follows:
|
OFFICER |
LT GEN |
MAJ GEN |
BRIG GEN |
COL |
LT COL |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
|
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
58 |
48 |
52 |
|
OTHER RANKS |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGT |
CPL |
PTE |
CADET |
|
|
0 |
0 |
7 |
12 |
54 |
98 |
220 |
13 |
63 females were discharged from the Defence Forces during 2022. This is the latest date for which data is available. Typically, discharges include personnel who leave for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges and would also include any trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training.
In line with current policies and commitments, and the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, a number of initiatives are in place with a view to increasing the level of female participation in the Defence Forces. Additionally, special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment within the general recruitment framework.
I am committed to maximising recruitment and retention of personnel, both male and female, to maintain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles, to undertake the tasks laid down by Government.
Question No. 407 answered with Question No. 406.
Question No. 408 answered with Question No. 406.