Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to change the age limit of 35 for entry into the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9876/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As part of the preparation for the Garda recruitment campaign in 2004, I asked the Garda Commissioner to review the eligibility criteria for entry to the Garda Síochána in so far as it related to the maximum age of entry to the Garda Síochána. This arose from the need to implement Directive 2000/78/EC, which, inter alia, prohibits discrimination in employment on the grounds of age.

In November 2004, on foot of recommendations from the Garda Commissioner on the matter, I increased the upper age limit for entry to the Garda Síochána from 26 to 35. This important change has extended the opportunity to many more people of a career in the Garda Síochána and increases the pool of talent available to the force on an ongoing basis. The change has already had a beneficial effect, with a significant percentage of recent recruits coming within the extended age range. There are no plans to make any further amendments to the age limit at this time.