Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 June 2025
233. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to report on the number of meetings of the Defence Forces board; and the most senior female member of the Defence Forces has attended in 2025, and in 2024, as is provided for. [31708/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces Board (DFB) is comprised of the following members:
• Chief of Staff (COS)
• Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS) Operations
• Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS) Support
• Assistant Chief of Staff (ACoS)
• Head of Strategic HR (HoSHR)
• Head of Transformation (HoT)
• Gender Advisor (GENAD)
In line with a recommendation from the 2022 Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) Report, a direct entry competition was held, with the appointment of a female to the rank of Colonel as the Senior Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Gender Advisor (GENAD) in the Defence Forces in September 2024. This Officer attends the DF Board meetings when feasible for her to do so.
Please see table outlining the information requested by the Deputy for 2024 and 2025:
|
Year |
Total DFB Meetings |
Total attended by Senior Female Officer/ GENAD |
|
2024 |
44 |
32 |
|
2025 (to 31st May) |
18 |
15 |
