Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006
810 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the review of height requirements for the Defence Forces; if he will change the height requirements for females who wish to join the Defence Forces; if current height requirements are discriminatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25598/06]
View answerI am pleased to say that I have recently received the military authorities report on the minimum height standards for Defence Force personnel prepared in the context of encouraging more women to apply to join the Defence Forces. The report deals comprehensively with the complex issues relating to this matter and as such requires careful consideration.
As the Deputy will be aware from my announcement last Sunday I have reduced the height requirement for entry into both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force from 162.56cm (5'4") to 157.48cm (5'2") with effect from 1st September 2006. This change, which applies to both males and females, will have the effect of increasing the annual recruitment pool of females from 60% to 90% and males from 97% to 98%.
I must point out that height is not the only issue in encouraging more women to apply to join the Defence Forces and I have recently initiated more general research in this area. To this end, tenders have been received from companies willing to undertake research into the issue of recruitment and retention of women in the Defence Forces. It is intended that the research will test women's attitudes to military life and a career in the Defence Forces. I envisage that the research will include interviews with currently serving female members of both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force and members of the general public. The contract will be awarded this week with work commencing next week.
