Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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488. To ask the Minister for Defence the reason the current criteria for eligibility to be admitted as a cadet in the Air Corps includes having no previous corrections made to the candidate’s eyesight, regardless of whether the candidate’s current eyesight fits the Air Corps criteria; and if he is considering amending this criteria in line with advancements in corrective laser eye surgery and bearing in mind practices employed by private airline companies and military air forces in other countries. [30284/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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There are a number of physical and medical standards laid down by the Military Authorities, including specified vision requirements, for entry to all branches of 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 eye surgery to correct their visual acuity is complex. It depends on a number of factors including the exact type of surgery and the amount of visual correction effected. Applicants, including those for an Air Corps Cadetship, who have had previous incisional or laser treatment to correct visual acuity are excluded from eligibility. However the matter will be kept under review.