Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 June 2021
213. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice the basis for the 35 years' upper age limit for recruitment of new Garda members; if consideration will be given to the fact that this is out of line with recruitment rules that apply in other countries, for example, the UK; when the review on this matter will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32182/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by legislation, particularly the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013. These Regulations provide that the maximum age at which a person may apply to join An Garda Síochána as a full time member is not more than 35 years.
I can inform the Deputy that an Expert Review Group has been established by the Garda Commissioner to examine the issue of Garda Recruitment, Entry Pathways and Recruit Education. This review is a commitment under A Policing Service for our Future, the Government’s implementation plan for the recommendations of the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. The Group will examine a variety of matters including the age of recruitment to An Garda Síochána. The Group, which operates in an advisory capacity, commenced work in late 2020 with a view to submitting a report to the Garda Commissioner within 12 months. I expect that the Commissioner will engage further with the Minister at that point on foot of the Group's advice and analysis.
