Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

Height restrictions are the same in the reserve as in the Permanent Defence Force, yet the number of women joining the reserve is five times the number joining the Permanent Defence Force. It would appear the reasons women are not joining the Permanent Defence Forces are much deeper than simple issues of height. There must be serious matters that make the Permanent Defence Force an unattractive option for women. I agree that the Minister should invite further submissions and perhaps give the various spokespersons a package with material that could be distributed to schools.

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