Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

While it may be correct for Deputy Timmins to state that the report was completed several weeks ago, I have only seen it in recent days. I have been busy doing other things and it may be that other people were also busy and did not hand it to me. I am engaged in consultations in this regard and can assure the Deputy that a decision will be made very quickly. I must resolve a number of difficult issues which arise from the report.

As for Deputy Timmins's other remarks, the Department has received consistent medical advice to the effect that injuries in the lower back and limbs arising from carrying heavy loads appear much more frequently in people of small stature. Some research was carried out on the average load-carrying requirements for Irish troops when on overseas duty and they are approximately the same as those for the United States Marine Corps, namely, approximately 126 lbs or nine stone. The average height and weight of a United States marine is in the order of 5 ft. 9 in. and 170 lbs, respectively.

I will consider the report over the weekend. I must discuss it with a number of people next week and I will make a decision very quickly thereafter. I hope it will be made before the House goes into recess.

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