Olwyn Enright
Ceist:93 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Defence the height requirement for men and women seeking to enter the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28757/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
93 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Defence the height requirement for men and women seeking to enter the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28757/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe minimum height requirement for entry to the Permanent Defence Force is 162.5 cm., 5 ft. 4 in., for both men and women. I have no plans to amend this eligibility requirement. The professional advice of the medical corps and the actual experience of training units is that persons of shorter stature encounter difficulties in carrying the bulk and weight of combat order equipment. Therefore, any lowering of the existing height requirements for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force is not envisaged.