Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
355. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Defence the number of females at each rank of second lieutenant and above within Air Corps, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28059/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra356. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Defence the number of females at each rank of sub lieutenant and above within Naval Service, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28060/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 355 and 356 together.
The recruitment and retention of women in the Defence Forces is a key priority for me and I am advised by the military authorities that as at 31 March 2026, the latest date for which such figures are available, the whole-time equivalent strength of female personnel in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 593 or 7.6% of a total strength of 7,778 personnel.
The table below provided by the military authorities shows the number of female officers in the Air Corps and the Naval Service as of the 31st March 2026, the latest date such figures are available for.
|
Rank |
Air Corp |
Naval Service |
|
Rank |
Air Corp |
Naval Service |
|
Lt Colonel or equivalent |
2 |
2 |
|
Commandant or equivalent |
4 |
14 |
|
Captain or equivalent |
2 |
7 |
|
Lieutenant or equivalent |
5 |
1 |
|
Total |
13 |
24 |
A total of 2,198 applications were received from female candidates across all recruitment competitions for the Permanent Defence Force in 2025, which represented an increase of 468 or 27% on the total of 1,730 received in 2024. There has been 1,017 applications from female candidates up to the 31st March 2026.
Significantly, last year also saw a total of 70 females inducted to the Permanent Defence Force, an increase on the total of 40 recorded for 2024. As of the 31st March 2026, the number of inductions of females into the Permanent Defence Force stands at 18.
A range of initiatives aimed at increasing the level of female participation in the Permanent Defence Force are currently in train. These include:
• The launch of a significant female-focused recruitment campaign in February of this year, which includes a comprehensive advertising campaign coordinated across all media modes including television and radio adverts. This campaign is designed to raise the public’s awareness of the female opportunities available in the DF and remains ongoing.
• The appointment of a senior Gender Advisor, GENAD, at Colonel level.
• The Defence Forces' Joint Recruitment Office is actively supporting female candidates in the recruitment pipeline
• 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.
• Gender, Diversity and Unconscious Bias training has taken place across all Formations and Services.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.
