Her remarks coincide with the raising of the application age to 50 for the Gardaí. Additionally, Ms. McEntee stated on Morning Ireland on RTÉ radio that the existing Garda retirement age of 60 ought to be raised.

“I'm having talks with the Minister of Public Expenditure about changing it. Although we haven't come to a decision yet, that's where I want to end up.”

Ms. McEntee recognised that there will be difficulties with the age restriction modification for recruits, noting that gardaí training takes time and that it can take up to two years for them to be considered proficient.

“A fitness test will still be required of everyone,” she stated.

"The garda workforce needs to expand in tandem with our growing population." When it comes to assisting the Gardaí in their work, nothing is off limits. It is my responsibility to assist them in whatever manner we can.

Brendan O'Connor, president of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), stated on Newstalk's Pat Kenny show that he did not believe the age restriction adjustment would have a major effect on the number of garda officers.

He did admit, though, that raising the age restriction may provide room for individuals with certain abilities who could be useful to the force.

According to him, it would not be desirable for people in their 40s to join the police at entry level since they would probably already have mortgages and kids.

Making the work more enjoyable and desirable would be more advantageous, he said, "to hold on to the people we have and in training, to give more time to the organisation." He said that the move was unlikely to be a solution to the present recruiting challenges.