Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 Dec 1998

Vol. 497 No. 5

Written Answers - Garda Recruitment.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

298 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the upper age limit requirement for recruitment to the Garda in view of the fact that other forces allow applications from those aged up to 45. [25757/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations, 1988, as amended, prescribe the criteria for recruitment of trainees to the force. In general, the upper age limit for recruitment of trainees to the Garda Síochána is 26 years. Subject to certain limits, deductions in age can be granted in respect of service in the Defence Forces.

The Employment Equality Act, 1998 exempts the Garda Síochána from the provisions of the Act relating to discrimination on grounds of age. This exemption was sought because the essential functions of the Force require that it be comprised of a reasonable proportion of young people.

Unfortunately, police work can entail dealing with individuals disposed to violent, aggressive and disorderly behaviour and this phenomenon is often compounded by the abuse of intoxicants. These physical challenges come into sharper focus when one considers that the Garda Síochána is essentially an unarmed police force unlike the majority of police forces worldwide, preferring to base its influence and effectiveness on its moral authority.

The cost of Garda training and the voluntary retirement arrangements in the Force are other important factors in considering the upper age limit for recruitment.

On a related matter, the potential for increased civilianisation in the Force is under examination in the context of implementation of the recommendations of the Steering Group on the Efficiency and Effectiveness of the Garda Síochána. The upper age limit referred to above is not applicable in the case of civilians working in the Garda Síochána.