Defence Forces Recruitment.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2006

Wednesday, 27 September 2006

Questions (1371)

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1445 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence his proposals to reduce the height restriction for female Defence Forces recruits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28342/06]

Written answers

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

On 2 July, 2006 I announced in Government Buildings that I have reduced the minimum 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%.