Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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5. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason for the lowering of the age limit for entry to cadetships from 28 to 26; the research and consideration undertaken prior to making the change; the decision making process he and his Department followed in agreeing to the proposal by the military authorities to bring the age down to 26; the consideration given to the talent pool of graduates and non-graduates between 26 to 28 years of age that the change disqualifies from entering cadetships (details supplied); if he is considering reverting the upper age limit for cadetships to 28 years of age which is considered best practice across many European states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40784/19]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The age requirements for entry into the Defence Forces are laid down in the relevant Defence Forces Regulations (DFRs).

In 2017, the military authorities proposed that the upper age limit for entry to cadetships be reduced from 28 years to 26 years. This has been implemented on a phased basis. The upper age limits for enlistment are determined on the basis that the essential functions of the Permanent Defence Force require its members to be able-bodied personnel of an age group which is commensurate with the functional requirements of the organisation.

The recent report of the Public Service Pay Commission recommended consideration of increasing graduate entry, which could be enabled by extending entry age. The Government's High Level Implementation plan provides for a review of recruitment which will include consideration of entry age criteria. This review has commenced.