Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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437. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to extend the age limit to join An Garda Síochána past the current age limit of 35 years. [35916/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by legislation, in particular the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013. These regulations provide that the maximum age at which a person may apply to join an Garda Síochána as a full time member is not more than 35 years.

I can inform the Deputy that an expert review group has been established to examine the issue of Garda recruitment, entry pathways and recruit education. This review forms part of A Policing Service for our Future, the Government’s implementation plan for the recommendations of the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. The group is examining a variety of matters including the age of recruitment to An Garda Síochána.

The group, whichoperates in an advisory capacity, commenced work in late 2020 and will submit a report to the Garda Commissioner within 12 months of establishment. I expect that the Commissioner will engage further with my Department at that point on foot of the group's advice and analysis.