Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

343. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to request an update from the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces as to when an investigation will be completed into serious allegations of violence and abuse against women using military equipment (details supplied); if he will seek the completion of the investigation given the Defence Forces member who the allegations are against is on paid leave, the grave nature of the complaints, and the Army's expressed desire to eradicate gender-based violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19776/25]

Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

344. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there are height requirements for joining the Defence Forces; the basis of such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19885/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 for both male and female candidates of 157.48cm.

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.