John Brady
Ceist:346. 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. [10846/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 March 2023
Ceisteanna (346, 347, 348)
John Brady
Ceist:347. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of women in the Defence Forces who are currently serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10847/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Brady
Ceist:348. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of women members of the Defence Forces who have left this year, by month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10848/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 346 to 348, inclusive, together.
As at 31 January 2023, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 563 whole time equivalent female members of the Permanent Defence Force out of a total WTE strength of 7,959. On the same date, 27 female members were serving overseas in addition to 1 female seconded to the UN.
The requested breakdown of the total female strength of 563, by rank, is as follows.
|
OFFICER |
LT GEN |
MAJ GEN |
BRIG GEN |
COL |
LT COL |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
59 |
45 |
52 |
|
|
OTHER RANKS |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGT |
CPL |
PTE |
CADET |
|
0 |
0 |
7 |
12 |
55 |
100 |
217 |
13 |
Two females were discharged from the Defence Forces in January 2023. 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.
My immediate focus is now on stabilising the staffing situation in the Defence Forces and thereafter in bringing the strength, of both males and female members, to the numbers required to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Question No. 347 answered with Question No. 346.
Question No. 348 answered with Question No. 346.