asked the Minister for Justice if he has received a letter from a person (details supplied) in Dublin, concerning the constitutionality of the regulations which prohibit young married men from joining the Garda Síochána; if he proposes to change these regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Garda Marriage Regulations.
222.
I have received the letter referred to.
The position is that there is a long-standing provision in the Garda Síochána (Appointments) Regulations, which are made under the Police Forces Amalgamation Act, 1925, that the Commissioner shall not appoint and enrol a man as a member of the Force unless he is unmarried.
This provision took account of the views of successive Commissioners of the Garda Síochána who were not in favour of permitting the recruitment of married men to the Force, in view of the difficulties which would be created in allocating and transferring them, having regard to their family commitments and housing needs.
I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by my commenting on the constitutionality of the provision, which is ultimately a matter for decision by the courts.
The question of amending the provision will be considered in the course of a general review of the regulations which is to commence shortly. Any changes that may be introduced as a result of that review will not, however, affect the admission of applicants recruited from the next entrance competition which is due to be held next April.