At present, only people aged 35 and under can apply to join the force – but Minister McEntee and Commissioner Drew Harris have agreed to raise the bar by 15 years to 50.
The Mirror has learned that Justice Minister Helen McEntee will announce the limit hike later today.READ MORE: Exact date Ireland temperatures to plummet to chilly 0C as Met Eireann gives update on cold snap
The minister is expected to make the announcement at a graduation ceremony for some 126 new gardai at the force’s training college in Templemore, Co Tipperary. Sources say the Minister and Commissioner have chosen 50 as the new limit to offer more people with experience the chance to join up – but also to ensure that there is an appropriate period of time between someone becoming an officer and having to retire at the mandatory age of 60.
However, sources have also said the retirement age was being examined and it was now likely to be raised to 62.It’s understood the Minister is discussing the new maximum retirement age with Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe – and an announcement is imminent.The decision comes after a record €2.3 billion for the Garda force in Budget 2024 – which allocated cash for up to 1,000 new recruits.
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