Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed an increase in the mandatory retirement age for Defence Force members, firefighters and prison officers to 62 years of age.

The increased mandatory retirement age follows the recent enactment of the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024. The increase took effect on Monday, August 19, 2024.

The provisions to facilitate an increased mandatory retirement age for Gardaí will follow shortly, and in the meantime existing retention arrangements in An Garda Síochána will continue to apply, ensuring that those who may reach retirement age in the interim period will be able to benefit from these changes once they are commenced.

Deputy Smith said: “I’m delighted that Defence Force members, firefighters and prison officers will now be able to work until they are 62 years of age. This worthwhile move will enhance options available to uniformed services members while retaining valuable expertise. 

“The Defence Forces, firefighters and prison officers across the country perform a vital role in our communities. Now they will be able to remain in service for longer if they so choose.

“This increase in mandatory retirement age makes sense. People are now living longer and healthier lives so our uniformed public servants should be allowed to work longer. I hope it makes a difference to many people’s lives.”

Part 11 of the Act implements changes that were previously agreed by Government to facilitate an increase in the mandatory retirement age for uniformed public servants to 62 years, within the context of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform’s fast accrual pension policy framework.

Under this framework, fast accrual pension terms will be facilitated until age 60. If an individual remains in employment beyond that age, their pension accrual reverts to a standard basis from that point until their retirement.