Vol. 524 No. 2
182 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the situation where over one third of personnel in the Naval Service did not take the compulsory physical fitness test in 1999 and, of those who took the test, only 65% passed. [21924/00]
The military authorities advise that, in 1994, 49% of Naval Service personnel completed the "Life" fitness test. Of this substantial group of Naval Service personnel who completed the test, 82% successfully passed. Due to the fact that large numbers of personnel serve at sea Naval Service command recognises the requirement to secure a further improvement in this area and, therefore, it has taken the following steps: (a)new naval vessels are being constructed with a small gymnasium on board, (b)the director of Defence Forces training has agreed to initiate an independent study into the special requirements of the Naval Service with regard to physical fitness testing and physical education in general. Under this proposal, a masters degree of physical education student from the University of Limerick will carry out the study with the view to assisting the Naval Service in this area.
