The Garda Representative Association says standards for fitness tests for new recruits shouldn't be lowered.
The group, representing frontline gardai, says other aspects of the recruitment process need to be changed to attract more people into the force.
Figures released to the Fianna Fail TD Jim O'Callaghan, found one in six people failed the physical competency and fitness tests required to train as a garda.
Deputy O'Callaghan, says calling for the test should be made easier with the aim of allowing more people to join the force.
But Prof Niall Moyna, DCU's School of Health and Human Performance, says the current fitness test is achievable, and represents the bare minimum of what a garda should be able to do.
President of the GRA, Brendan O'Connor, says broader improvements are needed in the recruitment process, and doesn't think the fitness test the main issue.
