Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 264: To ask the Minister for Defence his proposals to reduce the 5 ft. 4 in. height restriction for female Defence Forces recruits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13691/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Last July, while visiting Mellows barracks in Galway, I spoke of my desire to see more women applying to join the Defence Forces. I indicated then that, while much was already being done to encourage more women to apply, I intended to review the measures in place with a view to maximising the number of women applicants to the Defence Forces. At that time, I pointed out that the number of females enlisting each year is almost in direct proportion to the number applying, approximately 9%. An increase in the numbers applying should, therefore, be reflected in the numbers subsequently enlisted.

As I have already indicated to the House a number of times, I commenced that review process on 5 August, 2005 by writing to both the Departments of Education and Science and Justice, Equality and Law Reform, along with a number of outside organisations, seeking their views and recommendations on how more women might be encouraged to apply to enlist in the Defence Forces. All the replies have now been received, the last on 17 January 2006, and are currently being examined.

Officials, both civil and military, of the Department of Defence will shortly meet with representatives of each of the organisations that made submissions along with the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, and the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA. These meetings will consider the ideas and suggestions to see what, if any, improvements or changes can be made to the programme of recruitment so as to encourage more females to join the Defence Forces. I anticipate these meetings will take place over the coming weeks.

Since I raised this matter last July, there has been considerable focus on the minimum height requirement. Indeed, one of the submissions received in response to my letter of 5 August specifically called on me to abolish the height requirement. The current minimum height requirement for entry to both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force is 162.5 cm., 5 ft. 4 in., for both men and women. It was set in April 2002 and is 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 and of 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 weight on the musculosketal system.

As I indicated to the House on 29 September 2005, I have asked the military authorities to report to me on the height requirement and I will consider all aspects of the issue in the light of that report. I would point out to the House that the height requirement is only one element of the overall matter of how more women might be encouraged to enlist in the Defence Forces. In this context, I believe it is important that we examine the range of possible contributing factors. To that end, I intend to soon commission research into women's attitudes to military life and a career in the Defence Forces. I would envisage such research including interviews with currently serving female members of both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force.

The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women in the Defence Forces — Army, Air Corps and Naval Service — including the Reserve Defence Force, and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. In effect, this means that women are eligible on the same basis as men for participation in operational and ceremonial activities, assignment to all military appointments and educational and training courses and promotion. All female personnel undergo the same training and receive the same military education as their male counterparts. When considering how to encourage more female personnel to the Defence Forces, it is vital to bear this in mind and to ensure that it is fully taken into consideration.