Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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47. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces study group convened to review the standards of height for entry have presented their report to him; if so, if he will publish the report; if not, when the report will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15780/19]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The age limits, minimum height and physical standards for general service recruitment are set out in Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A10. This prescribes a minimum height requirement for enlistment for general service in the Permanent Defence Force 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 requirements for both males and females.

The determination of a minimum height requirement for enlistment in the Defence Forces (DF) is based on the ergonomic requirements for all members of the DF to train and carry out operations at home and overseas with service Personal Load Carrying Equipment.

The height requirements currently in place were introduced following a 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.

A study group was convened by the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) in September 2018 to review the standards of height for entry into the Defence Forces. The terms of reference for the group provided for the group to assess and recommend changes to the current height standards.

The group contains representatives from all three services of the Defence Forces and includes medical personnel, personnel from training establishments and military HR.

I am advised that the report is not yet finalised but I expect to receive it in the coming weeks.