I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 to 17, inclusive, together.
The conditions for entry to and service in the Permanent Defence Force, including the methodologies used for assessments, are subject to continuous review and modification having regard to the needs of the organisation and the development of best practices.
Psychometric testing and colour vision testing continue to form part of the induction and candidate assessment process. Following its introduction in 2012 for general service recruits, the military authorities have revised the approach to psychometric testing a number of times. During that time the Defence Forces engaged the services of various psychometric testing companies for the purposes of administering tests to the different inductions streams (General Service, Cadetships, Apprenticeships and Direct Entry Schemes). The result of a psychometric test is a factor in determining overall suitability for admission to the Permanent Defence Force.
The issue of colour vision deficiency is a complex one particularly in relation to ensuring a safe work environment. The Defence Forces continue to consider how they could support personnel, who have colour vision deficiency, in areas such as medical standards, career progression, career streaming and operational availability.
Senior civil and military management meet frequently to discuss different aspects of the recruitment process in order to ensure that the various processes are as efficient as possible and optimised to the needs of the Defence Forces.
Within this framework, Departmental officials and the military authorities have met with representatives of the company which currently provides psychometric testing to the Defence Forces. The purpose of this meeting was to enhance the understanding of the revised psychometric testing process. I am informed that no minutes of this meeting were circulated between the attendees.
The current recruitment and induction process is kept under on-going review to ensure it continues to effectively determine suitability for entry to the Defence Forces.