Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 November 2025
207. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces that have availed of the opportunity to continue working after the increase in August 2024 in the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 62. [67036/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the mandatory retirement age for Defence Force members increased from 60 to 62 on 19 August 2024, I can confirm to the Deputy that there are currently 20 officers and 83 enlisted personnel in this age group still serving who would have had to retire at 60 under the mandatory retirement age regulations in place prior to that date. I can also confirm that a further 19 personnel remained in service past the age of 60 since 19 August 2024, who since retired. Therefore, in total, 122 personnel availed of the opportunity to continue their careers after the age of 60 since August 2024.
As the Deputy is aware, prior to 29 March 2024, many Defence Forces personnel had a mandatory retirement age of less than 60. The age varied depending on rank. The initial increase in the mandatory retirement age to 60 has provided an opportunity for personnel to extend their careers in the Defence Forces. They may also continue to retire at their original mandatory retirement age without any impact on their pensions.
While still in the early days of reviewing the effectiveness of the increased mandatory retirement age on retention, initial reviews would suggest it is having a positive impact. In 2023, 755 members retired/discharged from the Defence Forces, in 2024 that number was 674 and up to the end of October 2025, 508 personnel have retired/discharged. A number of very positive retention measures have been introduced in recent years for members of the Defence Forces. The reduction in the numbers leaving is due to a multitude of factors. Given the numbers who are continuing their military careers past the previous retirement age, the increased mandatory retirement age would appear to be a contributory factor.
