Irish Defence Force "against able men/women from enlisting". What age do I have to be in order to be enlisted into the Permanent Defence Force?

Applicants for General Service with the Army and Air Corps must be not less than 18 years of age and under 25 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications.

Applicants for General Service with the Naval Service must be not less than 18 years of age and under 27 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications.

Applicants for Air Corps Apprenticeship must be not less than 18 years of age and under 21 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications. In the case of serving Defence Forces personnel applicants must be not less than 18 years of age and under 23 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications.

Applicants for Cadetship must be not less than 18 years of age and under 28 years of age on the date deemed by the terms and conditions.

Why is there an age cap ?

I wonder, was there an age cap when the Men and Women of Ireland fought for a Republic Of Ireland.I find it absolutely rediculous that able Men and Women cannot enlist and bring life experiences and knowledge to the Defence Forces.I would like to serve this petition to Government and obtain credible answers as to why Ireland's Men/Women are being discriminated just because of their age,we all know how fitness is a major part of all of our lifestyles,times have changed,Ireland has changed.Its time our Government has changed with the times.