Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Candidates applying for positions in the Defence Forces are required to meet specific standards for military service, as laid down in Defence Forces Regulations, made pursuant to the Defence Act 1954, as amended and extended. These Regulations provide for a minimum height requirement for enlistment of 157.48cm.

The height requirement currently in place was introduced following detailed consideration by a Defence Force Working Group, which reported in January 2006 and reduced the previous height requirements for both males and females.

The determination of a minimum height standard for enlistment in the Defence Forces is based on the ergonomic requirement that all members can meet the physical demands of military training and operations thereafter, with service Personal Load Carrying Equipment, whether they are at home or overseas.

It also helps to ensure the personal safety and wellbeing of all Defence Forces personnel while conducting further military training, which can be more physically demanding, upon successful completion of entrant level training.

The conditions for entry to and for service in the Defence Forces, including the methodology used for assessments, are subject to continuous review and modification having regard to the needs of the organisation and the development of best practices. However, irrespective of the desire to increase the recruitment pool, health and safety concerns must be satisfied.

There are no plans to adjust or remove the height requirement criteria at this time.