In 2015, the Defence White Paper set a target of having 15% of the Defence Forces made up of women within 10 years. The latter figure may raise a few eyebrows, as it is widely considered that the Naval Service is the least family-friendly of the three wings of the Defence Forces. Roberta O'Brien was promoted to the rank of Commander, the first woman to ever hold such a lofty position. First woman promoted to general rankBrigadier General Maureen O'Brien became the first woman promoted to general rank in the Defence Forces in 2019. On Sept 16, 2019 she became the first woman promoted to general rank in the Defence Forces.

Source: Irish Examiner May 08, 2021 18:22 UTC