Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2024
129. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures that are being taken to increase the number of females applying under any future Defence Forces recruitment campaigns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29796/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpecial 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 military authorities have advised that a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation in the Permanent Defence Force recruitment process. Examples of such initiatives include:
• A recently established female specific recruitment team which co-ordinates attendance of tri-service female specific recruiting teams at national and regional level events.
• A series of videos being created, highlighting the roles on offer in the Defence Forces with focus on females, are being filmed using female members.
• Fitness test requirements are tailored specifically for females. A fitness test preparation video is available on the military website to demonstrate the modified push-up for females.
• The Defence Forces Recruitment Office are actively reaching out to female applicants in the recruitment pipeline in order to support them throughout the application process, where appropriate.
• A Direct Entry competition for a Senior Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Gender Adviser recently concluded.
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.
