Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
703. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is currently reviewing the mandatory retirement age for members of the Fire Service; the stage that review is at; when he expects further information or recommendations to be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34701/26]
View answer704. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is examining the introduction of an extension scheme for firefighters approaching the current retirement age, similar to the system available to members of An Garda Síochána, whereby personnel may apply to continue in service subject to efficiency, maintained fitness levels, and the successful completion of required assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34702/26]
View answer705. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if any proposed changes to the retirement age for firefighters would require legislative or regulatory amendment; and if so, the expected timeframe for such changes to be drafted, approved and enacted, should this be proceeded with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34703/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 703, 704 and 705 together.
In 2024, the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 was enacted. This Act amended, among other matters, the law in relation to the age at which certain public servants are required to retire. Part 11 of the Act provided the then Minister for Public Expenditure National Development Plan Delivery and Reform (M/PENDR), to make orders, enabling line ministers – Justice, Defence, Health and Housing – to make regulations regarding the retirement age of uniformed services. Indeed, these regulations were made in August 2024, with the consent of then M/PENDR, raising the mandatory retirement age to 62. Similar regulations would be required to further extend the retirement age.
Given that the retirement age of firefighters was addressed less than two years ago in consultation with staff representative bodies, there are no plans to revisit it presently.
