Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 Oct 1990

Vol. 402 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Síochána Height Requirement.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

113 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice (a) the minimum height requirement for both male and female members of the Garda Síochána (b) the number of applicants rejected in each of the past five years on the grounds that they did not satisfy the height requirement and (c) if he will consider relaxing the height requirement so that persons who would otherwise be suitable gardaí, can be admitted to the force.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

The regulations which govern admissions and appointments to the Garda Síochána provide that the Commissioner shall not admit a person as a trainee garda unless, in the case of a man, he is not less than five feet nine inches in height and, in the case of a woman, she is not less than five feet five inches in height.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of applicants refused admission as trainees in each of the past five years because they did not satisfy the height requirement was as follows:

1986	3
1987*	—
1988*	—
1989	12
1990 (to date)	6

* No medical examinations held.

There would also, no doubt, have been people who did not proceed with applications for entry to the force in the years in question because they were aware that they did not meet the height requirements. There is no way of knowing the number of such persons.

I have no plans to amend the height requirement at this time.