260. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence the number of females qualified Air Corps Pilots; the number of females currently in training to become qualified Air Corps Pilots; when each of those persons will qualify, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62582/26]

The recruitment and retention of women in the Defence Forces is a key priority for me as Minister for Defence and I am advised by the military authorities that as at 31 July 2026, the latest date for which such figures are available, that the whole-time equivalent strength of female personnel in the Air Corps stood at 51 or 6.5% of a total strength of 784 personnel in the Air Corps.

The table below shows the number of female pilots qualified and those in training in the Air Corps as of the 31st July 2026, including the timeline for their qualification.

A total of 645 applications were received from female candidates for the 2026 Air Corps Pilot cadetship competition of which 93 were from females. This represents an increase of 33 female applications or 35% on the total of 60 received in 2025 for the same competition.

Furthermore, this year has seen the induction of 6 females to the Air Corps to the end of July, which is an increase on the 4 recorded in total for the Air Corps 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 and job advertisements to attract females;

• 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.