Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 293: To ask the Minister for Defence the height requirement for recruitment of females into other EU states' armies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18575/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am advised by the military authorities that they do not maintain details of the eligibility criteria, which includes height, for recruitment to the Armies of other European Union Member States.

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 review the height requirement in the light of that report. I expect to have the military authorities' report on or before 1 June, 2006 and I understand that it will include a review of the current height standards which are applied by other armies.

I would point out however 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 look at the whole range of possibly contributing factors. To that end I intend shortly to award a contract for research into women's attitudes to military life and a career in the Defence Forces. I would envisage such research to include interviews with currently serving female members of both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force.