Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
343. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Defence if she will consider reducing height restrictions for the Irish Army; the number of persons who have been refused in each of the years 2019 to 2025 and to-date in 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12177/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCandidates 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.
The following table contains figures for the number of applicants for entry to the Defence Forces who were unsuccessful on height grounds between 2019 and 31 January 2026:
|
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026* |
|
Army |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Naval Service |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Air Corps |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
* as of 31 January 2026
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, health and safety and the development of best practices.
