Written answers
Thursday, 24 January 2019
Department of Defence
Defence Forces Recruitment
Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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75. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 110 to 112, inclusive, of 28 November 2018, the reason for the delay in answering the questions; when responses to these questions will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3625/19]
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that the delay in providing the information sought was brought about by the need to source material to provide a comprehensive reply. The questions and subsequent reply were also connected to another Ministerial Representation in the system at the time. The reply to all three questions is expected to issue shortly.
Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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76. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the procedures for height measurement and determination at entry to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3626/19]
Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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77. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of times a person (details supplied) was measured during the recruitment and training process prior to discharge; the exact reading of each measurement; the number of Defence Forces medical personnel involved in measuring the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3627/19]
Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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78. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will reconsider the discharge of a person (details supplied) and immediately move to reinstate the person in view of his acknowledgement that he is reviewing the procedures for height measurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3628/19]
Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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79. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is considering remeasuring all Defence Forces personnel in view of his acknowledgement that he is reviewing the procedures for height measurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3629/19]
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 to 79, inclusive, together.
The minimum height requirement for general service recruitment is set out in Defence Forces Regulation. This prescribes a minimum height requirement for enlistment for general service in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) of 157.48cm. This requirement was made following recommendations by a Defence Forces Working Group which reported in January 2006 and reduced the previous height requirement for both males and females.
The determination of a minimum height requirement for enlistment in the Defence Forces is based on the ergonomic requirements for all members of the Defence Forces to train and carry out operations both at home and overseas with service Personal Load Carrying Equipment.
The height requirements in place were introduced following detailed consideration and were intended to ensure that personnel can conduct safely the various military tasks assigned to them, and they are of general application to all recruits. Accordingly, the height requirements remain in place. The military authorities have informed me that they will conduct another review of DF height standards to update, if necessary, the 2006 report.
It is not permissible for me to release personal data relating to the individual named in your questions but I wish to inform you that I have replied to queries raised by her.
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