Tánaiste confirms introduction of new Mandatory Retirement Age for Defence Forces

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, has confirmed an increase in the mandatory retirement age (MRA) for Defence Forces personnel from 60 to 62.

The increase takes effect today (Monday, 19 August 2024) after the Tánaiste signed the necessary regulations to allow for the change.

The increased MRA follows the recent enactment of the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 and complements an earlier increase in the MRA by the Tánaiste to 60 years of age for all Defence Forces’ ranks whose mandatory retirement age was under 60.

Announcing the change, the Tánaiste said:

“As Minister for Defence, the transformation and modernisation of our Defence Forces is a key priority for me. This important change to the mandatory retirement age reflects modern society, allowing members who want to remain in service longer to do so. It also facilitates the Defence Forces in their efforts to retain highly trained, skilled and experienced personnel.

Together with several other recruitment and retention initiatives - including the roll out of private healthcare, increased allowances and ongoing investment in infrastructure - this measure is a significant step aimed at stabilising the number of serving personnel while we simultaneously work towards recruiting new people into an exciting and rewarding career in the Defence Forces.”

Welcoming the increase in the MRA, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, said:

“I am delighted at today’s announcement by the Tánaiste that mandatory retirement ages for all members serving in the Defence Forces will be increased to 62 years of age. Our members are our greatest asset and are central to everything we do. This is why the increase of mandatory retirement ages for all ranks has been a priority for me as Chief of Staff.

It will act as an important retention measure, providing security of tenure for our serving members and support the transformation of our Defence Forces.”

These provisions enhance the options available to uniformed public servants and allow them to remain in service for longer if they choose to do so. Under a policy framework established on foot of analysis undertaken by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform to examine the issue of mandatory retirement age increases and fast accrual pension terms, fast accrual pension terms will be facilitated until the age of 60.

If an individual remains in employment beyond that age, their pension accrual reverts to a standard basis from that point until their retirement.

Ends.

Note for Editors:

This further increase in mandatory retirement age follows in quick succession to a number of other recent retention and recruitment measures including private healthcare for all ranks, an increase in patrol duty allowance for the Naval Service and increases in starting pay for new entrants with recruits starting on €39,714 after 24 weeks training and school leaver cadets starting on €43,654 on commissioning.
The Defence Forces have also increased the levels of funding in training, education and development of personnel with over 550 of our members this year alone receiving academic awards or trade qualifications from our third level academic partners.