As I explained in my answer to the earlier Questions referred to by the Deputy, recruitment in An Garda Síochána is governed under the Garda Síochána (Admission & Appointments) Regulations 1988/2005. The recruitment age was considered in 2004 when, on the recommendation of the Garda Commissioner, the maximum recruitment age was increased from 26 to 35 years. This upper age limit of 35 was set having regard to equality legislation and also took into account the following criteria:
(1) The cost of training.
(2) The need for recruits to serve for a sufficient period of time as full members of the service to recoup this cost.
(3) The operational requirements of the service in terms of having an age profile appropriate to the physical demands placed on members in the course of their duty.