John Perry
Ceist:253 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Defence if a person (details supplied) will be allowed to pass out with his colleagues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2646/02]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Recruitment.
Under the provisions of paragraph 22 of Defence Force Regulations A10, a recruit is on probation until the end of his or her training, when each recruit's final suitability to become a soldier is assessed. This assessment requires that, among other things, the recruit complies with prescribed military standards of medical and physical fitness. A recruit may not be finally approved unless he or she is considered suitable in all respects for service in the Permanent Defence Force. The criteria in relation to medical suitability for recruitment and final approval of recruits and the interpretation of these criteria are a matter for the military medical authorities. These criteria are of general application and exceptions cannot be made in individual cases.
The person in question enlisted as a recruit on 24 September 2001. The recruit platoon of which he is a member is due to "pass out" on 6 February 2002 having completed their recruit training. When the recruit in question was medically assessed for "final approval" in accordance with the relevant regulations he was found not to meet the required medical standards for final approval. The available internal appeal procedures in relation to this finding are being availed of by this recruit and have not yet been concluded. In the circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the case.