'No restrictions' in Defence Forces

WOMEN ACCOUNTED for 5.79 per cent of the Defence Forces, the Dáil was told.

Minister for Defence Tony Killeen said of the 557 women, 456 served in the Army, 32 in the Air Corps and 69 in the Naval Service. There were 143 officers, 167 non-commissioned officers and 247 privates.

Mr Killeen said the Government was committed to equal opportunities for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by them in all aspects of activities.

“Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces has no restrictions as regards the assignment of men and women to the full range of operational and administration duties,” he added.

“All promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit.” He said the department did not have access to statistics on the percentage of women members in other national armed forces. The Defences Forces, he added, prided itself on providing a gender-neutral working environment. “Policies on equality are being constantly communicated to all ranks,” said Mr Killeen.

“The military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing this matter in a continuing and proactive manner.”

Labour spokesman Brian O’Shea said it seemed there was a very slight reduction in the number of women serving compared to information he had been given two years ago. He said the Minister’s predecessor, Willie O’Dea, had reduced the height requirement for women from 162cm (5 ft 4 in) to 157cm (5 ft 2 in) 2006, increasing the potential recruitment pool of women from 60 per cent to 90 per cent of the female population.

Mr Killeen said he had asked for information on the applications in the current recruitment drive. The percentage of women applicants for one of the divisions might be lower than 2 per cent. That would be undesirable and the department might have to take action in respect of recruitment policy.