A new Garda recruitment campaign begun today with a Government target of increasing the size of the force by more than 2,000 in three years.
For the first time the maximum entry age has been raisded from 26 to 35 in an effort to attract more candidates. Applicants must by at least 18 and must also satisfy certain educational criteria.
The campaign kicked off with advertisements in national newspapers this morning and runs until December 17th.
It is hoped that almost 1,100 recruits per year will be taken on in the coming three years to meet the Government's target. To facilitate the recruitment drive, the Garda college in Templemore, Co Tipperary, will be significantly refurbished and extended next year.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Justice said other entry criteria were also currently being examined.
"The Minister believes that there may be other criteria which would benefit from review so to as far as possible reflect the composition of Irish society," she said.
"These criteria are currently being reviewed by the Commissioner and will be considered by the Minister in due course."