asked the Minister for Justice, if, in view of the fact that persons under 21 years of age are regarded as infants under present day legislation, he will take steps to ensure that in future only persons over the age of 21 years will be permitted to become members of the Garda Síochána.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Síochána Entrance Age.
32.
I do not accept that the legal definition of the word "infant" in certain enactments has a bearing on the suitability of persons under the age of 21 for employment as members of the Garda Síochána.
Experience has shown that, so far as recruitment, training and subsequent service are concerned, 18 years is a suitable minimum age for recruitment, and I do not propose to raise the minimum age.
33.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will take steps to make it possible for married men between the ages of 21 and 28 years to become members of the Garda Síochána.
I do not propose to amend the Garda Síochána (Appointments) Regulations so as to make married men eligible for appointment. The requirements of residential training and the liability to frequent transfer in the immediate post-training period make it highly desirable that recruits should be unmarried. The present ineligibility of potential candidates who are married does not cause any recruitment difficulties.