Armed forces, firefighters and prison guards can postpone their retirement by two years from today

A similar measure to set a higher retirement age for the Gardaí is to follow “shortly”, the Ministry of Justice said.

Until then, the Ministry said, the existing rules on extending the retirement age and maintaining the retirement age in An Garda Síochána would continue to apply.

The government agreed to this step in March, stressing that the pay and working conditions of civil servants are one of the biggest challenges for retaining and attracting skilled workers in the public service.

Employees can still retire at 60

The increase affects the maximum retirement age, and people can continue to retire at 60 if they wish. People under 60 who choose to delay their retirement can build up the additional pension rights at the faster savings rates.

If a person continues to work beyond this age, their pension entitlement will revert to the standard basis from that point until their retirement.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the changes reflected the “reality” that people were able to work longer hours than previously.

“I am confident that our uniformed public service will benefit from the expanded contribution of these experienced personnel.

The new retirement age for prison guards comes into force today and I look forward to bringing forward the relevant provisions for the Gardaí in early autumn.

“The public service careers covered by these regulations are among the most demanding, yet incredibly rewarding, careers for those who choose them.

“I hope that by providing our most experienced people with the opportunity to stay in these jobs longer, we will provide new people with more opportunities to learn from their unmatched skills, knowledge and expertise, and ultimately strengthen these bodies.”

“Measures to modernize the armed forces”

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said the move was part of the modernisation of the defence forces.

“This important change to the mandatory retirement age reflects modern society and enables members who wish to remain in service longer to do so. In addition, it facilitates the Armed Forces' efforts to retain well-trained, skilled and experienced personnel.

“Together with several other recruitment and retention initiatives – including the introduction of private health insurance, increased allowances and ongoing investment in infrastructure – this measure is an important step towards stabilising the number of active personnel while we work to recruit new people to an exciting and rewarding career in the Armed Forces.”

Chief of the Armed Forces Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, welcomed the increase in the mandatory retirement age, saying: “Our members are our most valuable asset and are at the heart of everything we do. That is why increasing the mandatory retirement age for all ranks was a priority for me as Chief of Staff.”

“It will be an important measure to retain soldiers, provide security of service to our active members and support the transformation of our armed forces.”