Vol. 534 No. 5
187 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in relation to eligibility for qualification to train as a prospective member of the Garda Síochána, he will outline the rules concerning the weight of the applicant; if he has satisfied himself that candidates can be denied a place in the training school for the sole reason that they have been deemed overweight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11194/01]
Applicants for recruitment to the Garda Síochána undergo a medical examination in order to decide on their suitability to undergo the demanding physical training required of Garda trainees. As part of their medical assessment, applicants are weighed and measured in order to calculate their body mass index. Candidates who do not meet the stipulated body mass index requirement progress to a calculation of their percentage fat in order to further evaluate their suitability for Garda training. Candidates who do not meet the percentage fat criteria are deemed unfit based on the principle that they are suffering from obesity and would be in an ‘at risk' category if subjected to Garda training.
