COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, June 20, 2016

MOTION NO.7

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

That this Council writes to the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice outlining its concerns regarding the continuing upper age limit of 35 years for those applying for work as a member An Garda Siochana, especially given the precedent in neighbouring jurisdictions such as Northern Ireland (PSNI limit 57 years) and many US departments (Seattle Police Department - no age limit). In order to reflect the spirit of the Equal Status Act, where discrimination on grounds of age is specifically referenced, this Council furthermore calls on the Minister and Garda Commissioner to work together to review the age limit so as to attract experienced members into the force with a variety of professional and life skills, as well as younger recruits, notwithstanding the need to pass existing competency examinations.

REPORT:

If this Motion is passed a letter will issue to the appropriate Minister, and when a reply is received will issue to the Members.