Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
821. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will consider establishing a scheme within An Garda Síochána that would allow retiring Garda members to continue serving on a part-time or reduced hours basis, similar to the arrangements available to retired teachers who may return as substitute or fixed term teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30048/26]
View answerIn 2024 the Government increased the mandatory retirement age for members of An Garda Síochána to 62 through the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 and subsequent regulations. That Act also provided for the increase in the mandatory retirement age of permanent members of the Defence Forces, firefighters and prison officers from 60 to 62. The increase was also facilitated with amendments to the relevant pension legislation.
Since these changes have been introduced a significant number of Gardaí have availed of the option to continue working until the age of 62 and An Garda Síochána has benefited from the extended contribution of experienced personnel. These changes have also provided a greater opportunity for skills and knowledge transfer to new recruits.
There are currently no plans to allow Gardai to continue to serve beyond retirement age on a reduced hours basis. However the Deputy may be interested to note that the Garda Commissioner, with my consent, may extend the age of retirement of a Garda member where this is in the interests of the efficiency of An Garda Síochána due to special qualifications or experience possessed by that member.
This allows any Garda member to make an application to the Commissioner, through their line management, seeking an extension of their service, potentially up to the age of 65. I can confirm that I have already consented to a number of such requests allowing Garda members to continue to serve beyond the age of 62.
