Deputy Alan Farrell, FG for Dublin North has called for the upper age limit for gardaí entering the force to be increased, writes Rose Barrett. The TD (below) believes that mature applicants over 35 years would – albeit they are physically fit and in good health – would make excellent gardaí and would bring life’s experience to street policing.
FG’s Justice spokesperson in the Dáil said every effort needs to be made to attract more people to join the force, and to increase our national policing body.
He said: “I am pleased to hear that plans to increase the upper age limit for garda entry are at an advanced stage. Both the government and the public want to see more gardaí on our streets. We can achieve this through sensible changes to recruitment and retention processes.
“This is something I have been calling for for some time. I believe the current age limit of 35 is arbitrary.”
He continued: “There are so many men and women over this age limit in Ireland who would be perfectly capable of carrying out the duties of a member of An Garda Síochána. It is important of course that the existing fitness, medical and vetting processes remain in place so there is no reduction in standards across the organisation.”
“I am also calling for the weekly training allowance for recruits in Templemore to be increased as it can be a challenging time financially, especially now with the increased cost of living. An increase would make a big difference in people’s lives while they undergo training for their new profession.
Following a number of violent crimes in Dublin in recent months, Minister Helen McEntee announced a €10m boost to support better policing and more garda visibility on the streets. Assistant Garda Commissioner Angela Willis announced an extensive programme including five rosters a day in garda shifts, 76 new garda recruits for Dublin, increased overtime hours, designated centres and training programmes, etc. See https://dublingazette.com/dublinlocalmatters/news/gardai-council-traders-55533/
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