P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1107: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will review the rules governing the persons who may apply to become a Defence Forces officer cadet in order to include a 3% quota for persons with disabilities such as a person (details supplied) who is otherwise qualified and capable of taking on officer training and responsibilities. [1314/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Defence Forces are committed to the principles of equal opportunities, in all employment policies, procedures and regulations. The Defence Forces operate in an environment which is free from discrimination as provided by the Equality Acts. However, the Defence Forces have a derogation from the terms of the Employment Equality Act (1998) in respect of the criteria of physical ability and age. Accordingly recruitment criteria based on age and physiological requirements are permitted by legislation. Similar derogations apply to the Garda Síochána and Prison Service.

All members of the Defence Forces are encouraged to participate in the full range of operational and ceremonial activities and are eligible for assignment to all military appointments and educational and training courses and for promotion. Therefore on entry to the Defence Forces all recruits should be capable of performing the full range of duties and tasks.

The current age, medical and physical requirements for entry into the Permanent Defence Force reflect the difficult and strenuous physical demands of the training and operational environment in which all recruits must operate. The requirement of recruit training include the ability to bear arms, operate weapon systems, perform under severe pressure and undergo extremes of climate and hazardous terrain.