Vol. 520 No. 4
187 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, further to parliamentary Question No. 327 of 23 November 1999, he will outline the length of time the height requirements for gardaí have been under review; and when the review is expected to be completed. [15862/00]
The height requirements for applicants to the Garda Síochána are prescribed in the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations, 1988, as amended). At present, the minimum height requirements for male and female applicants are 5'9" and 5'5", respectively. The requirements governing admissions and appointments are the subject of regular review. The particular requirements in relation to height were last changed in 1977 when the minimum height requirement for males was restored to 5'9", having been reduced to 5'8" in 1972. Consideration was given to again reducing the minimum height requirement for males in 1981 but it was decided to maintain the existing requirement.
I have some concerns about the appropriateness of the height requirements in the context of current best practice in recruitment and I believe that it is right to question them in a balanced and objective manner. As mentioned above, the requirements are the subject of regular review and, in the light of the most recent examination of the issue, the matter will be further considered by the Government shortly.
