Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The position is that there are a number of physical and medical standards laid down by the Military Authorities for entry to the Defence Forces. These requirements are based on the professional advice of the Medical Corps and having regard to the nature of the job, the duties of military service and the training exercises undertaken by members of the Defence Forces.

The Medical Corps regularly reviews the medical standards for entry to The Defence Forces. The question of the suitability for military service of persons who have had laser surgery to correct their visual acuity is complex, because it depends among other factors on the exact type of surgery and on the amount of visual correction effected.

The Minister has asked the Military Authorities to report to him specifically on the issues relating to laser eye treatments and he will review the vision requirement in light of that report. The Minister has been advised because of the complexity of the issues that it may take some time to complete this report.