Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
428. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment following the signing into law by the President of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025, that provides that an employee may notify their employer that they do not consent to retire at the contractual retirement age, when she will sign it, in order that the act can commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5930/26]
View answerThe Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 was was signed into law by the President on 16 December 2025.
I anticipate that the Act will be commenced during 2026. It will allow employees who do not consent to retire at their contractual retirement age to remain in employment until they reach the pensionable age (66), should they wish to do so. The pensionable age is the age at which people may first access their State Pension. This is a significant step in helping to protect employees as they approach retirement.
As I have communicated in the course of the legislative process there will be an appropriate lead in time in advance of commencement. My department will continue to work with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to develop new guidelines for both workers and employers on the new rights and responsibilities arising from this Act. This approach will support a smooth commencement of the Act and ensure that the new right is implemented consistently and fairly.
