Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
150. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the numbers of women applying for and enlisting in the Defence Forces with equal respect to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28360/24]
View answerAs at 31 May 2024, the number of female personnel in the Permanent Defence Force was 558.
The table below sets out the number of women who applied for, and the number that were inducted into, the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as at 31 May 2024.
|
- |
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
Total |
|
Applications |
458 |
206 |
107 |
771 |
|
Inductions |
5 |
2 |
3 |
10 |
It is important to note that a number of candidates are at various stages of the induction process. Furthermore, a number of competitions closed in May such as the 2024 Cadetship, and the direct entry competitions for Digital Transformation Officer, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Gender Advisor (GENAD), that are all in the very early stages of being processed.
In addition, there are other reasons for the low number of inductions versus applications. These include initial applications not being completed or followed through by applicants and applicants not presenting for, or being unsuccessful at, various stages of the recruitment process.
Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment within the general recruitment framework and the High Level Action Plan agreed by Government on the Commission on the Defence Forces contains a range of recommendations designed to assist in increasing female participation in the Defence Forces.
The Government remains committed to increasing female participation rates at all levels of the Defence Forces in order to increase capability and to better reflect the society from which the Defence Forces are drawn and serve.
