Sorca Clarke
Ceist:228. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of females currently in recruit training in each of the three branches of the Defence Forces. [68060/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 29 September 2026
Ceisteanna (228)
Freagraí scríofa
The military authorities have advised that, as of 22 September 2026, the following number of women were in General Service Recruit training across each of the services:
|
|
Army |
Air Corp |
Naval Service |
Total |
|
Recruit |
22 |
3 |
7 |
32 |
There has been a total of 490 inductions to the Permanent Defence Force to the end of August 2026, of which 47 were female. The total number of applications received from females to the end of August stood at 2,169 which compares favourably to the 2,198 applications received in total for 2025.
A range of initiatives aimed at increasing the level of female participation in the Permanent Defence Force are currently in train. These include:
The establishment of the GENAD office (Gender Adviser) which provides expert advice to senior military management and the Defence Forces Board regarding gender equality, integration, and the implementation of a gender perspective in operations and policy;
Awareness campaigns to attract females into DF careers;
The availability of both women and men at career and outreach events;
Ongoing review of recruitment processes to ensure that they are inclusive;
Inclusion of a female perspective in marketing;
The creation of new induction streams;
The launch of a comprehensive advertising campaign aimed specifically at female candidates in February 2026, which has completed two cycles to date.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women and has set ambitious targets for increased female participation in the Defence Forces.