Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 January 2019
76. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the procedures for height measurement and determination at entry to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3626/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra77. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of times a person (details supplied) was measured during the recruitment and training process prior to discharge; the exact reading of each measurement; the number of Defence Forces medical personnel involved in measuring the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3627/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra78. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will reconsider the discharge of a person (details supplied) and immediately move to reinstate the person in view of his acknowledgement that he is reviewing the procedures for height measurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3628/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra79. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is considering remeasuring all Defence Forces personnel in view of his acknowledgement that he is reviewing the procedures for height measurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3629/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 76 to 79, inclusive, together.
The minimum height requirement for general service recruitment is set out in Defence Forces Regulation. This prescribes a minimum height requirement for enlistment for general service in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) of 157.48cm. This requirement was made following recommendations by a Defence Forces Working Group which reported in January 2006 and reduced the previous height requirement for both males and females.
The determination of a minimum height requirement for enlistment in the Defence Forces is based on the ergonomic requirements for all members of the Defence Forces to train and carry out operations both at home and overseas with service Personal Load Carrying Equipment.
The height requirements in place were introduced following detailed consideration and were intended to ensure that personnel can conduct safely the various military tasks assigned to them, and they are of general application to all recruits. Accordingly, the height requirements remain in place. The military authorities have informed me that they will conduct another review of DF height standards to update, if necessary, the 2006 report.
It is not permissible for me to release personal data relating to the individual named in your questions but I wish to inform you that I have replied to queries raised by her.
