§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many serving mothers are currently in post with the Royal Irish Regiment in Northern Ireland. [8212]
§ Mr. SoamesThere are five female officers and 208 service women currently in post with the Royal Irish Regiment in Northern Ireland who have dependent children.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discretion is afforded to commanding officers of armed forces regiments in assignment of duties for young mothers who wish to develop careers as serving soldiers while their children are of pre-school attendance age. [8213]
§ Mr. SoamesCommanding officers may exercise discretion in the day-to-day employment of soldiers under their command, subject to the needs of the service. However, it is also the responsibility of all soldiers—male and female, single or married—to make suitable arrangements for the care of their children so that they are fully able to meet their service commitments.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent mothers of young children in the armed forces are required to carry out the same duties as male soldiers. [8214]
§ Mr. SoamesFemale personnel with young children are, in common with all other service personnel, with or without the care and control of young children, expected to carry out the full range of duties for which they are employed. However, in accordance with health and safety regulations, special considerations apply to pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers which may result in their employment on alternative duties.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the terms and conditions of service in the armed forces for serving mothers with young children will be reviewed. [8215]
§ Mr. SoamesThere are no plans for a special review of the terms and conditions of service for serving mothers with young children. A fundamental review of the terms and conditions of service for all service personnel is taking place under the independent review.