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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 3

Written Answers - Defence Forces Personnel.

Ivor Callely

Question:

78 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether there should be no discrimination to male or female gender for entry to the Defence Forces, particularly in regard to height; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4765/00]

The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve Defence Force, and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Women are eligible for service in the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service and in the Reserve Defence Force and to compete for all appointments on an equal basis and under the same general conditions as those which apply to men. All female personnel undergo the same training and receive the same military education as their male counterparts.

The minimum height requirement for both males and females had previously been set at 5' 5". However, in March 1998, I reduced the height requirement for female applicants for general enlistment in the Defence Forces to 5' 4" in light of the natural height differential between males and females and to encourage an increased participation by women in the Defence Forces.

While I am in favour of retaining the reduced height requirement for women, I must however be mindful of the professional advice of the Medical Corps, and the actual experience of training units, that persons of shorter stature encounter difficulties in carrying the bulk and weight of combat order equipment. Therefore, I do not envisage any further lowering of height requirements.
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