Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
267. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Defence the number of females that applied to join each branch of Defence Forces in each cadetship and or general services recruitment campaign in 2025, in tabular form. [5549/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have provided the requested information on the number of females that applied for and were inducted to the Permanent Defence Force via General Service Recruitment and Cadetship competitions in 2025 in the table below:
It should also be noted that a further 94 applications were received from females for a range of Direct Entry competitions which resulted in an additional 7 female inductions comprising 4 Engine Room Artificers in the Naval Service, 2 Dental Nurses and 1 Band Conductor.
A number of initiatives have been implemented to support the recruitment of females to the Defence Forces. Notable amongst these are:
• A competition for the recruitment of a senior Gender Advisor, GENAD, at Colonel level was successfully completed in 2024.
• Male and female representation is present at all recruitment events and a gender perspective is incorporated in all advertising.
• Fitness test requirements, including the number of push-ups and sit-ups that must be achieved to pass, have been tailored for female candidates. A fitness test preparation video is available on the military website to demonstrate the modified push up for females.
• The Defence Forces Women's Network aims to increase the participation of female personnel at all levels of the organisation.
• Gender, Diversity and Unconscious Bias training has taken place across all Formations and Services.
• The Defence Forces is reaching the final edit stage of a female-focused recruitment campaign. The expected launch date is February 2026.
