(Limerick West): I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 13 together.
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force is reviewed from time to time in the light of military requirements and does not differentiate between male and female personnel. Because of the non-combatant role of female personnel, the enlistment of recruits for general service has had to be confined to male personnel in recent times. On 31 October 1987, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 63 female personnel serving in the Permanent Defence Force.