Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 2

Written Answers. - Garda Recruitment.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

122 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the upper age limit for entry to the Garda Síochána remains at 26 years; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the upper age limit in the Metropolitan Police Force in England ranges from 50 to 60 years depending on status at entry; his views on whether the upper age limit is illegal due to the fact it promotes ageism; if he will consider amending the age restriction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3387/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

Admission to the Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations, 1988.

The essential functions of the Garda Síochána require that the Force be comprised of able-bodied personnel of an age group which is commensurate with the functional requirements of An Garda Síochána.

Under Section 37(6)(b) of the Employment Equality Act, 1998, the sections of the Act relating to discrimination on age or disability grounds do not apply to employment in the Garda Síochána.

On 27 November 2000 a new Council Directive 2000/78/EC was adopted establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation. The current regulations governing admission to the Garda Síochána will be reviewed in the light of that directive.