A former Monaghan councillor has voiced his support for the age limit of those wanting to join An Garda Síochána to be extended. The maximum age at which a person can apply to join the Gardaí is 35, however Tommy Hagan believes this should be extended significantly in order to alleviate the current staffing crisis facing the force.
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show, the Monaghan man highlighted his concerns over the rate of officers retiring, compared to the number of those entering the profession.
According to Mr Hagan, there is simply "not enough Gardaí" on the streets due to poor wages and increased pressures. He added that Minister Helen McEntee must "do more" to entice people to enter the force.
"A lot of guards are retiring but there's not enough to replace them," he explained. "There should be a lot more Gardaí appointed throughout the country because it is badly needed. Gardaí at the minute are under pressure and they aren't being paid enough. I believe if the salary was improved, there would be more young people wanting to join An Garda Síochána."
