Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014
478. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding reviews of eligibility criteria for a candidate's eyesight who has previously had corrective laser eye surgery, in view of eligibility criteria in other countries' defence forces that admit candidates with previous corrective surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41021/14]
View answerThere are a number of physical and medical standards laid down by the Military Authorities, including specified vision requirements, for entry to all branches of the Defence Forces. These requirements are based on the professional advice of the Medical Corps and having regard to the nature of the job, the duties of military service and the training exercises undertaken by members of the Defence Forces.
The Medical Corps regularly reviews the medical standards for entry to the Defence Forces. The question of the suitability for military service of persons who have had laser eye surgery to correct their visual acuity is complex. It depends on a number of factors including the exact type of surgery and the amount of visual correction effected. A report on this matter has been prepared by the Defence Forces Medical Corps and is currently under review.
