Vol. 527 No. 4
37 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he has any plans to consider the provision of crèche facilities for children of members of the Defence Forces, especially where both par ents are in service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28710/00]
The military authorities have advised that at present there are no plans for the provision of crèche facilities for the children of members of the Defence Forces. However, this issue has been raised with my officials in the past week by PDFORRA and clearly the question will have to be considered constructively. However, any proposed changes would have to realistically address a number of serious issues that would have to reflect practices elsewhere in the public service. In addition, the military environment would raise particular challenges in the provision of facilities for small children.
I am disappointed by the reply because not alone did PDFORRA raise this issue but RACO also raised the matter at its annual general meeting. At a time when we need further representation from both sexes, it is necessary to provide such a facility to married couples in the Defence Forces. I urge the Minister to investigate what can be done about this matter, especially in the main areas of employment and the larger barracks.
A significant number of initiatives have been taken by the Government in response to the need to provide child care facilities. Some measures are also being taken within the Civil Service generally, but I am happy to listen to the views put forward by the representative associations in this context. The Deputy should bear in mind that some of our facilities, and some of the operations conducted in the installations, are not very conducive to the provision of that kind of facility. I am happy to look at it.
Will the Minister agree the reason we need crèches is that we have members of both sexes in the Army? Will he agree also that, relatively speaking, it is still more difficult for a female to enter the forces than a male due to the height requirement? Will he give a commitment to take a leaf out of the book of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and confirm that he will re-examine the height requirement for females?
This question is about crèche facilities.
It is not the first time Deputy Timmins has strayed off the course but even allowing for that, I have already made an adjustment. I am happy to examine the matter, although I am under a little pressure. There are some strong medical reports available, with which the Deputy may be familiar in the context of Army operations and the various apparatuses that have to be carried to the Glen of Imaal, which may not be the best way to test somebody of a smaller size, but I am happy to examine the matter.
