Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
1100 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to amend the age requirements for persons wishing to apply to join the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22004/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 1988, as amended, govern entry to the Garda Síochána and provide that applicants generally must be at least 18 and under 26 years on the first day of the month that the competition is advertised. The regulations provide for some extension to the upper age limit for applicants with certain specified service in the Defence Forces.
The Equality Act 2004 brought new equality provisions into effect in line with EU directives on equality including, inter alia, Council Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment. The Act amends section 37 of the 1998 Act to the effect that the age exemption can continue to apply to recruitment to the Garda Síochána to the extent that the operational capacity of the force would otherwise be adversely affected. The implications of this for the current rules on admission to the Garda Síochána are currently under consideration.
