asked the Minister for Justice if the minimum height for Garda recruits has been raised; and, if so, why.
Written Answers. - Garda Recruits Height.
24.
The Garda Síochána (Appointments) Regulations, 1977, provide for the restoration of 5 ft. 9 ins. as the minimum height for male candidates for the force. The height requirement was lowered to 5 ft. 8 ins. in 1972 but this was at a time when it was proving difficult to attract suitable candidates. The Garda authorities were in favour of the restoration effected by the 1977 regulations. I might add that the 1977 regulations exempt from the increased height requirement candidates to be recruited from the competition that has just been held.