The mandatory retirement age for Gardaí and prison officers will be increased from 60 to 62, while the new mandatory retirement age for the Defence Forces will increase to 60 initially from the end March, and then later to 62 once legislation on pensions is passed.
Gardaí and the Defence Forces have suffered from issues with retaining members as well as recruitment in recent years. The maximum recruitment age in the Defence Forces will be increased to 39, as part of the changes which comes into effect from 29 March.
The decision was announced at Government Buildings by the Tánaiste and Defence Minister Micheál Martin, Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, after the Cabinet signed off on the plans.
“The recruitment and retention challenges facing our Defence Forces have been well documented, but these measures are a further step towards addressing these issues,” the Tánaiste noted, adding thatthat the retention of personnel remains a challenge in the current economy, notwithstanding the range of pay and non-pay measures already implemented.
He said that existing members of the Defence Forces would not be obligated to work until 62 and could still retire on their pension at 60. “Many of them had been waiting for this announcement ….to prolong their careers within the Defence Forces,” he added.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee confirmed it would be voluntary for Gardaí and would apply to all ranks of the force up to Assistant Commissioner level and beyond. She said that she will continue to consider all additional measures to progress and enhance Garda recruitment over the coming months in a bid to reach a target of having more than 15,000 Gardaí in the State
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the Government decision would also improve pensions packages for those who decide to delay their retirement. “If they’re under the age of 60, and they decide to defer their retirement, they will be able to earn the extra pension entitlements at the faster accrual rates, so their pension will be worth more,” he said.
