Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
66. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if consideration is being given to raising the age limits for eligibility to join the Defence Forces (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19500/19]
View answerThe nature of military service requires that the age and health profile of personnel in the Defence Forces must be appropriately managed to ensure that capability requirements are met. There are varying age profiles for recruitment depending on entry level. For General Service recruits to the Army, applicants must be 18 years of age or over and under 25 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applicants
General Service recruits for the Naval Service recruits must be 18 years of age or over and under 27 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applicants. The age requirements for Cadets are as follows:-
Applicants must be 18 years of age or over and under 26 years of age on a date specified in the terms and conditions for the relevant cadet competition. For the 2019 Cadet Competition, the date specified is the 1st September 2019.
In contrast, the age for the most recent competition for direct entry Medical Officers was set at 50 years of age.
The age requirements for entry into the Defence Forces are laid down in the relevant Defence Forces Regulations (DFRs). These age limits will be kept under review.
