Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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47. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the criteria regarding admission to the ranks of the Defence Forces for transgender persons; if that criteria differs from other applicants; and if there are legal impediments to prevent transgender persons pursuing a career in the Defence Forces. [3634/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Government believes that the Defence Forces should reflect the modern demographics of Irish society.  To that end, the Defence Forces operate in an environment without discrimination in areas covered by the Equality Acts as they apply to the Defence Forces. In addition the Defence Forces comply with the legal provisions of the Gender Recognition Act 2015. They also ensure that the principles of equality are adhered to in all aspects of recruitment, induction, employment and daily routine, training, education and promotion

In keeping with this ethos, the Defence Forces are committed to the principle of equal opportunities in all of its employment policies and welcome applications from all members of Irish society, irrespective of religion, sexual orientation or gender.

Each recruit must undergo the same application process which consists of:

- Psychometric test,

- Fitness test and interview

- Medical test and security check.

Any legal impediments to joining the Defence Forces that do exist (such as age, disability and residency requirements) apply equally to all applicants.