Age Limit To Become A Garda Increased To 50

The age limit to apply to join the Gardaí has been increased to 50.

The entry age limit of 35 has been in place since 2004, when it was increased from 26.

The fitness test is being adapted for older entrants.

Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, says it's hoped increasing the age limit will boost numbers of officers in the police force.

"When it comes to recruitment and retention, absolutely nothing should be off the table.

"This week we agreed a budget which saw an unprecedented amount of €2.3 billion euro allocated to An Garda Síochána.

"This is all with the objective of creating stronger, safer communities.

It means we'll have more money to recruit more Gardaí, more money for Gardaí going through the training college itself

"We'll have more money for overtime, more money to invest in the Gardaí themselves, their health and wellbeing".

A class of 126 new Gardaí will graduate on Friday and another class will enter Templemore on Monday.

The higher age limit will need to be approved by Cabinet Ministers. A spokesperson says Justice Minister Helen McEntee is due to bring proposals to her government colleagues shortly.