Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:95. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of the colour blindness review within the Defence Forces. [28132/24]
View answerTuesday, 2 July 2024
Questions (95)
Written answers
Candidates applying for positions in the Defence Forces are required to meet specific criteria, which include medical standards for military service, as laid down in Defence Forces Regulations. These medical standards 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 vision standards required for entry to the Defence Forces include that applicants colour vision must be normal. The Defence Forces colour vision standard is defined by the ability to pass the Ishihara Colour Plates. To be accepted as an eligible candidate for entry into the Defence Forces, the applicant must have a normal result in this test.
The conditions for entry to and service in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), 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. For example, female specific milestones that have to be achieved in terms of fitness standards have been re-examined. There has also been a change from a 'Pass or Fail' system in terms of fitness test scoring to a 'traffic light' system for all applicants.
More specifically in relation to the issue of colour blindness, a Defence Forces Colour Vision Working Group, established to review the colour vision requirements for entry to the Defence Forces, has concluded its work. Its report and recommendations are currently under consideration by the military authorities.