Vol. 506 No. 2
44 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to remove the height requirement for entry to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15288/99]
66 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the current review of the height requirements for entry to An Garda Síochána will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14998/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 66 together.
The height requirements for entry to An Garda Síochána are prescribed by regulation and are currently under review. Until that review is completed I am not in a position to say what changes, if any, will be made to the relevant regulations. Any proposals I may have in this regard will be submitted for consideration by the Government in due course. However, I wish to emphasise that I am not seeking to justify requirements simply because they are long-standing and were accepted by my predecessors. It is reasonable to question these requirements in a balanced, objective way and that is why a review has been undertaken. The height requirements will remain unchanged for the purposes of the new Garda recruitment competition I announced recently and which is due to be advertised shortly. I wish to stress that this matter should be looked at in a balanced way and I intend to look at it very closely.
(Mayo): When does the Minister anticipate the review will be completed? Has he looked at the standard height requirements in other EU countries?
In some countries there is no height requirement. All the issues are being examined in the context of the review. I cannot give the Deputy the precise date of its completion. However, it is being given priority. I have always believed in equality of opportunity. I have never believed in discrimination on the grounds of an individual's mental or physical capacity. We will leave it there and wait until the review has been completed.
(Mayo): I thank the Minister for his reply. I am sure he will accept that neither Deputy Howlin nor I has a vested interest in a change of career. Does the Minister accept that quite a number of worthy applicants for the Garda Síochána have been and continue to be denied access because of an outmoded requirement?
I indicated that I have initiated a review and I am awaiting its outcome. My predecessors accepted the requirements as they exist at present and I am very concerned about discrimination against any individual and that any such situation, if existing, should be rectified.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
