Age limit to become a garda to increase from 35 to 50

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

The age limit to become a garda is to increase from 35 to 50 under changes to be revealed by Justice Minister Helen McEntee.

Ms McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris are due to make the announcement at a graduation ceremony for 126 new gardaí at the Garda College in Templemore.

The move comes following criticism that the force was struggling to reach its recruitment target of 1,000 by the end of the year.

The entry age limit of 35 has been in place since 2004 when it was increased from 26. It is understood there will be no change to the required physical fitness test for potential officers. 

A new age limit of 50 is being chosen “to widen the opportunity” to join An Garda Síochána but also to ensure that there is an appropriate period of time between someone entering the force and retiring, a spokesperson for Ms McEntee has said. 

The retirement age is currently set at 60, and Ms McEntee is also in discussions with Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe on this. 

The change to the entry age can only be made by way of regulation following approval by the Cabinet and Ms McEntee will bring proposals to Government shortly.

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It is understood that the age limit rise to 50 should be changed in advance of the next Garda recruitment campaign, expected in a number of months, to give as many people as possible the opportunity to apply to An Garda Síochána.

Speaking at a post-budget press conference in recent days, Ms McEntee said recruiting up to 1,000 gardaí in 2024 is a “realistic figure” and said she was being as "ambitious as possible".

“We're likely to see an overall figure of about 800, maybe slightly more, going through the college and finishing training [at the end of 2023].

“Last year, I absolutely wanted to reach that 1,000 [figure] but we were still building the momentum at that stage and we're getting to that point now.” 

The Department of Justice has been allocated €2.3bn for An Garda Síochána in Budget 2024. 

This includes funding for between 800 to 1,000 new gardaí and a 66% increase in the Garda training allowance to €305. 

Ms McEntee said the Government must now focus on attracting additional people to join An Garda Síochána and had said she was engaging with Commissioner Harris on increasing the maximum age at which people can apply. 

“We have to acknowledge that people are living longer and that they’re healthier for longer and that if people 35 or beyond want to join, it gives them the option as well as looking at younger people,” she told reporters.