The Minister for Justice is to bring proposals to Cabinet that would raise the age limit for joining An Garda Síochána from 35 to 50.

The entry age limit of 35 has been in place since 2004, when it was increased from 26.

In 2020, the Workplace Relations Commission found that the limit was discriminatory, a finding later upheld by the Labour Court.

New members

The decision was announced by Minister Helen McEntee and the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris as the force welcomed 126 new members.

The newly attested members have now completed their training and will be assigned to garda divisions throughout the country.

“A new age limit of 50 is being chosen to widen the opportunity to join An Garda Síochána, but to also ensure there is an appropriate period of time between someone potentially entering at 50 and retiring ten years later,” said Minister McEntee.

Retirement age

The retirement age is currently set at 60, but the Department of Justice said that the minister had also held discussions with Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe on this issue.

The change to the entry age can only be made by way of regulation after approval by the Cabinet.

The recent budget included funding for the gardai of €2.3 billion – including for recruitment of up to 1,000 members in 2024.