The maximum retirement age for members of the Defence Forces, firefighters, and prison guards is being raised from 60 to 62 from today.
Members of the Defence Forces, firefighters, and prison guards will be entitled to work until they're 62 rather than 60 from now on.
The move follows the recent enactment of the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024.
A similar measure to codify a later retirement age for gardaí is due to "follow shortly", the Department of Justice has said.
Until then, the Department said, the existing retirement age extension and retention arrangements in An Garda Síochána continue to apply.
The move was agreed by the Government in March, with pay and conditions of frontline public servants highlighted as a key challenge for retaining and attracting people to careers.
The increase is to the maximum retirement age, and people will still be able to continue to retire at 60 if they wish. Those under the age of 60 who decide to defer their retirement will be able to earn the extra pension entitlements at the faster accrual rates.
If an individual remains in employment beyond that age, their pension accrual reverts to a standard basis from that point until their retirement.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee said that changes reflect the "reality" that people are capable of working longer than had previously been the case.
“I am confident our uniformed public services will benefit from the extended contribution of these experienced staff members.
The new retirement age for prison officers comes into effect from today and I look forward to bringing forward the relevant provisions for gardaí in the early autumn.
“The public service careers covered by these regulations represent some of the most challenging, if incredibly rewarding, for those that choose them.
"I hope that offering this option to our most experienced staff members to work for longer in those careers will provide more opportunities for new recruits to learn from their unmatched skills, knowledge, and expertise, ultimately strengthening these bodies.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said the move was part of modernising the Defence Forces.
"This important change to the mandatory retirement age reflects modern society, allowing members who want to remain in service longer to do so. It also facilitates the Defence Forces in their efforts to retain highly trained, skilled and experienced personnel.
"Together with several other recruitment and retention initiatives — including the rollout of private healthcare, increased allowances, and ongoing investment in infrastructure — this measure is a significant step aimed at stabilising the number of serving personnel while we simultaneously work towards recruiting new people into an exciting and rewarding career in the Defence Forces.”
Welcoming the increase in the mandatory retirement age, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, said: "Our members are our greatest asset and are central to everything we do. This is why the increase of mandatory retirement ages for all ranks has been a priority for me as Chief of Staff.
"It will act as an important retention measure, providing security of tenure for our serving members and support the transformation of our Defence Forces.”