Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 February 2024
159. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he intends to advance proposals to amend age limits for those wishing to join the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9832/24]
View answerThe age limits for personnel wishing to enter the Defence Forces are as set out in Regulations made pursuant to the Defence Act 1954, as amended. The entry age limits for General Service Recruits, Air Corps Aircraft Apprentices and certain Direct Entry ‘other rank’ specialists (DFSM Instrumentalists) were increased to 29 years in 2023.
Further age increases require legislative change and, in that context, the General Scheme of the Defence Amendment Bill 2023, published on 10 January 2024, includes an amendment to the provisions regarding the engagement of enlisted personnel. This amendment will remove current obstacles, and provide for greater flexibility on increasing the maximum age limits for personnel who wish to enlist in the Permanent Defence Force. Any amendments made to the Permanent Defence Force upper age limits will inform a decision on increasing Reserve Defence Force age limits.
