Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Although the figure of 5% is low, it is in line with international experience. The figures have increased in some of the European states but not by much more than the Irish average. In recent years there has been a substantial increase in the number of women applying to enlist in the Defence Forces. The percentage of women in the Defence Forces is almost directly proportional to the number that apply. In the past two or three years the average annual intake of female applicants has been in the order of 9% or 10%.

I agree it is not just a question of height because there is a range of other factors. The Garda Síochána recently got rid of the height requirement and introduced a physical fitness test instead. I have asked the military authorities to consider this matter in light of what the Garda has done. If I can establish an appropriate and medically suitable physical fitness test to replace or further reduce the existing height requirement, I will be glad to do so. I expect to have the military authorities' report on or before 1 June. We will therefore be in a position, before the Dáil rises for the summer recess, to see what further action can be taken in this regard.

The reports I received from the various organisations I contacted about the desirability of getting women to join the Defence Forces have been very good. A number of very useful suggestions have been made and I am sure further suggestions will be made, not only at the meetings we will have with the organisations and as a result of their interaction with PDFORRA and RACO, but also as a result of the research I am commissioning.

Getting rid of or reducing the height requirement and replacing it with an appropriate and medically suitable physical test and addressing other matters, such as women's perception of Army life and bullying, will give rise to a substantial increase in applications to join the Defence Forces. As the Deputy pointed out, while the number of females in the Permanent Defence Force amounts to only 5%, it is up to 26% in the Reserve Defence Force, in respect of which the same height requirement applies.

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