Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Recruitment.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

85 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons who have applied to join the Naval Service in the past 12 months; the number who were turned down on failing a medical examination; the nature of the disqualifying ailments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20455/02]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The number of applications received in the past year for entry to the Naval Service, and the number of applicants who were found unsuitable, due to failing the medical examination are as follows:

	Number ofapplicants	Number ofapplicants whofailed medical
General Service Enlistment	388	110
Cadetship Competition	143	14
Direct Entry Competitions	160	11

A number of applications received are still being processed. The nature of ailments which would disqualify a candidate from entry to the Defence Forces are numerous and varied. Candidates are required to undergo a detailed medical examination to ensure that they are in good mental and physical health and free from any condition, abnormality or past history of serious illness likely to interfere with the efficient performance of military duties.