Married Men Barred from Garda Recruitment
Deputy Gallagher challenged the exclusion of married men; the Minister defended the longstanding policy on training and postings. Deputy Power noted the same restriction applied to Army recruitment, before the Chair moved to the next question.
Why does the Minister find it necessary to debar married men when the upper age limit is 28?
Comment on this
It has been consistent policy right through the years to restrict recruitment to single men. It is not compatible with the married state in many ways for a person to undergo a period of training in a recruit depot, and there could be difficulties with regard to making assignments to posts. I think the conditions are right in so far as policy is concerned.
Comment on this
Would the Minister care to comment on the fact that married men are not allowed to join the Army because the same condition prevails?
