Vol. 492 No. 4
129 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence the reason a person (details supplied) in County Waterford was refused admission to the FCA on the basis of a height restriction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14214/98]
The individual in question applied for enlistment in the FCA and attended for medical examination in connection with her application. On examination she was found to be below the regulation height requirement for female personnel of 5 4 and, therefore, ineligible for enlistment.
As Defence Force regulations are of general application, exceptions cannot be made in individual cases.
130 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to reduce the entry height requirement for females into the Defence Forces in order to avoid indirect discrimination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14292/98]
There is no plan at present to reduce the height requirement for females for entry to the Defence Forces. However, eligibility requirements, including minimum height requirements, for entry to the forces for both males and females are kept under review and revised from time to time.
