Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 14: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has proposals to lower the height requirement for entry to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31905/05]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for Defence if there will be an update to the regulations governing minimum height for entry to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31911/05]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to change the height entry requirement for females and males into the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31942/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 22 and 31 together.

The minimum height requirement for entry to the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force is 162.5 cm, 5 ft. 4 ins, for both men and women. This limit was set in April 2002 based on the professional advice of the Medical Corps and the actual experience of training units. The advice at that time was that, having regard to the nature of the job, the duties of military service and the training exercises undertaken by members of the Defence Forces, persons of shorter stature are more likely to incur back and lower limb injuries. A key element in military life is the need for personnel to maintain a level of fitness for combat readiness. Inherent in this physical requirement is the ability to carry heavy loads and execute physically demanding tasks in training and on operations. The personal load carrying equipment and personal weapon place considerable strain the musculosketal system. The advice in 2002 was that the recommended height requirement of 162.5cm, 5 ft. 4 ins, for entry is the minimum necessary to meet the demands of military life.

As I indicated to the House on 29 September that requirement is being kept under constant review. I have asked the military authorities to report to me on it. I will review the height requirement in the light of that report.