The age limit to join the Gardaí should be abolished, a Fianna Fáil TD said today.
Mr Jim Glennon, TD for Dublin North, called the requirement that An Garda Síochana applicants be under the age of 26 "outdated, archaic, discriminatory and wholly unnecessary," and he asked that the Garda Chiefs work in conjunction with the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, to abandon the policy.
Mr Jim Glennon, TD for Dublin North
"There is no longer reasonable justification for the current 26 years age limit. It is now blatant discrimination," he said. "The Garda Síochana's illogical and outdated entry requirement must be addressed without delay."
Mr Glennon called the publication of the interim report of the Morris Tribunal "a perfect opportunity" to debate the issue of age limits and the benefit of recruiting more experienced people.
"Every other profession in the world benefits from mature and experienced recruits," he said, adding that the reason behind the requirement - the limited mobility of the workforce - no longer applies to Ireland "in this day and age."
Mr Glennon first raised the issue of age limits several years ago but it produced "only minor debate," he admitted.