Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
63. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to increase gender balance within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2787/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is Government policy to increase female participation rates at all levels of the Defence Forces.
As of 1 December 2023, the female representation of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stands at 7%. While this percentage is far from satisfactory, it is not out of kilter with standards across international militaries.
The Chief of Staff’s aim to increase the percentage of females recruited to the Defence Forces in 2023 to 9% was achieved.
A number of initiatives to both attract females and to retain serving female members are in train. For example:
• A female specific recruitment team has been established to co-ordinate the attendance of tri-service female specific recruiting teams at national and regional level events.
• The team are actively engaging with organisations such as the Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association, the Camogie Association, Women in STEM events, the Department of Education, Hersport.ie and 30% Club in conjunction with the Defence Forces Gender Equality and Diversity Officer.
• In addition the team will engage with the Defence Forces Marketing and Media partner to highlight the career opportunities available to women, across the three Services.
• The Defence Forces are taking a broad approach in terms of fitness testing, with requirements tailored specifically for females.
• There has also been an emphasis on Fitness Test Preparation. Videos relating to the Defence Forces Induction Fitness Test are available on its website.
• Plans for the recruitment of a senior Gender Advisor, at Colonel level, in line with a recommendation in the Commission on the Defence Forces, are at an advanced stage.
• Gender, Diversity and Unconscious Bias Training took place across all Formations and Services last year.
• Also in 2023, private secondary medical care was extended to enlisted personnel. This is an important development, as it is will include private medical care during pregnancy.
• The Military Authorities have also put in place arrangements for participation by female Officers at Defence Forces Board level.
• A joint Department of Defence and Defence Forces Women’s Network which was launched in January 2022, has been very successful.
In addition, there are a number of Work-life balance initiatives including, accessibility of career courses for those with family commitments; family friendly overseas appointments; and a renewed focus on dual-service member families and career breaks.
A range of ‘harmony’ measures including ‘hot desking’ or remote working have been piloted to create an attractive working environment.
Finally, I am pleased to say that I approved an updated Maternity and Associated Protected Leave Policy in September 2023.
These are important initiatives which will underpin the commitment to increasing recruitment and moving to a strong representation by women across all ranks of the Defence Forces.
