Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
464. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has engaged or consulted with the Garda Commissioner in respect of broadening and or abolishing the upper age limit on persons wishing to make an application to become a full-time serving trainee Garda (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18759/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013 which provide that the age at which a person may apply to join An Garda Síochána as a full time member is not more than 35 years.
On 18 December 2018, the Government endorsed the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) and agreed to accept all of its 157 key recommendations, including those related to Garda workforce planning and modernisation. One of the key issues highlighted in the report was that An Garda Síochána should reflect the diversity of Irish society and should therefore develop recruitment strategies to achieve a more diverse intake. In this regard, it recommended that age limits for recruitment should be removed.
I can inform the Deputy that the question of the appropriate age for recruitment to An Garda Síochána will be considered as part of my Department's review of entry to An Garda Síochána.
