The age limit for joining An Garda Síochána is to increase from 35 to 50.
The changes will be announced by Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris at a Garda graduation ceremony in Templemore later this morning.
It comes after a €2.3 billion allocation for An Garda Síochána in Budget 2024, which includes funding for between 800 to 1,000 new Gardaí and a 66% increase in the Garda training allowance.
Both Minister McEntee and Commissioner Harris have said the age limit should be changed in advance of the next recruitment campaign "to give as many people as possible the opportunity to apply to An Garda Síochána."
The entry age limit of 35 has been in place since 2004, when it was increased from 26.
File photo shows Gardaí on patrol in Dublin's Temple Bar. Image via @gardainfo on Twitter"A new age limit of 50 is being chosen to widen the opportunity to join An Garda Síochána but also ensure that there is an appropriate period of time for between someone entering An Garda Síochána and retiring 10 years later," the Department of Justice has said.
The retirement age is currently set at 60, and Minister McEntee is also in discussions with Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe on that issue.
The change to the entry age can only be made by regulation following approval by the Cabinet.
Minister McEntee will bring proposals to the Government shortly.
The new Gardaí graduating today will see the force increase to 14,032.
