The Minister for Justice announced today he is introducing a proposal to Government to increase the maximum age of entry to the Garda Síochána from 26 to 35 years of age.
The move by Mr McDowell is part of a recruitment drive to increase the strength of the force to 14,000 members by 2006.
Mr McDowell said he would also examine changes to the current entry requirement of passing Irish in the Leaving Certificate; this requirement could pose a block to people from different ethnic backgrounds joining the force.
"The recruitment into the force of members from these different ethnic backgrounds would clearly be a positive step . . . for the recruits, the force, and the public generally," the Minster said.
However, he added: "It would be wrong to assume that the answer is simply to do away with the need for Irish."
Mr McDowell also said he was studying proposals for a mandatory minimum sentence for serious firearms offences.
He was speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Garda College in Templemore.