Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
766. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí who applied for an extension to continue working after full service was completed in each of the past three years who were refused, by rank and division and by the reason they were refused, in tabular form. [14579/26]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.
Gardaí of all ranks who reach the compulsory retirement age can apply to remain in employment. For the Deputy's information, in September 2024 the Government increased the mandatory retirement age for Gardaí from 60 to 62. This means that Gardaí who wish to work on to 62 may do so without applying for an extension. Government took this decision on foot of a request from the Garda Commissioner and the Garda Associations.
All applications for extensions are subject to eligibility criteria and the provisions of S.I. No. 335/1951, Garda Síochána (Retirement) (No.2) Regulations, 1951; i.e. if the Commissioner is satisfied that it is in the interests of the efficiency of An Garda Síochána that the age at which any such member would retire should be extended because of the possession by that member of some special qualification or experience.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of Gardaí who applied for an extension to continue working after full service was completed in each of the past three years and who were refused, by rank, as of 19 February 2026.
Divisional data is not provided as this could lead to the identification of individual members.
|
Rank |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
Total |
|
Chief Superintendent |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
|
Superintendent |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
Inspector |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Sergeant |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
|
Garda |
1 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
|
Total |
6 |
9 |
3 |
2 |
20
|
