Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2019
66. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to make changes in the recruitment criteria for apprenticeships within the Defence Forces to allow persons that have colour vision deficiency to wear corrective ophthalmic appliances during psychometric testing similar to those used in other European countries. [9268/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that the current eyesight colour vision requirement to enter the Defence Forces is grade one on the Ishihara Test.
The conditions for entry to and service in the Permanent Defence Force, including the methodologies used for assessments, are subject to continuous review and modification having regard to the needs of the organisation and the development of best practices.
I am advised by the military authorities that a Defence Forces Colour Vision Working Group has been established to review the colour vision requirements for joining the Defence Forces. This review is currently in the final stages of deliberation and I look forward to considering the recommendations of the Working Group.
