Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
66. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether there is scope for a member of the uniformed services to apply for an extension of their service beyond the mandatory retirement age of 62; if not, if he would consider introducing criteria to accommodate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35786/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
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.
The Civil Service Regulation Act 1956 (Retirement of Prison Officers) Regulations 2024 were made pursuant to this power and specified a maximum retirement age of 62 years for prison officers with effect from 19 August 2024.
I can advise the Deputy that while there are currently no plans to increase the mandatory retirement age of Gardaí and prison officers further, these matters are kept under review.
Other uniformed services including the Defence forces and firefighters do not fall under my remit as Minister for Justice, so I am unable to provide any information on arrangements for those services.
