asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that many excellent candidates are prevented from joining the Garda Síochána by virtue of the regulation prohibiting the enlistment of married men.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Enlistment Regulations.
83.
It is the policy of the Garda authorities, in deciding on the allocation and transfer of members, to take account as far as possible of family circumstances and commitments. The fact that newly recruited members are single is an important factor in enabling this policy to be operated.
This appears to be the main advantage in the present regulation excluding married men from recruitment and it is a fairly valuable one, but it may be assumed that this is one of the matters that will come up for examination in the context of the review which I mentioned in the House last week and which I hope can begin in the fairly near future.
Is there any room for discretion in the case of what might appear to be an outstanding married candidate?
I am afraid there is not at the moment. There is not room for discretion.