asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the standards required for entry to the Garda Síochána with particular reference to (i) height, (ii) chest measurements, (iii) vision and (iv) education.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Síochána Standards.
The qualifications for entry into the Garda Síochána are set out in the Garda Síochána (Appointments) Regulations, 1945, and the Garda Síochána (Appointments) Regulations, 1945 (Amendment) Regulations, 1947. These regulations were made by my predecessor in office and have not been amended by me.
Having regard to paragraph 2, sub-paragraph (b) (3) of Article 4 of the 1945 regulations which prescribe that an applicant for entry to the Garda Síochána must be certified by the medical officer of the force to be in good health and of sound constitution, physically and mentally to perform the duties of an officer of the force, must it therefore be presumed that a man who was received into the force is in perfect health in so far as that can humanly be ensured by the medical officer?
That is a hypothetical question. If the Deputy puts down a question about the health of any particular individual, I will endeavour to answer it. All the Deputy asked me for to-day was the regulations and I have given those.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I have put a specific question.
The question of health does not arise.
May I take it that a man entering the force must be presumed to be in perfect health? In the case of a man who has served 20-25 years and is then discharged from the force on the ground of having defective sight without any pension——
I suggest that is a separate question and if the Deputy wants a reply he should put the question down.