Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which accommodation has been or can be reached in respect of returning public servants that have expressed a wish to remain in employment for some time after their anticipated retirement age while adhering to Government policy in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17445/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018 was enacted on 26 December 2018. This Act introduced a new compulsory retirement age of 70 for the majority of public servants recruited prior to 1 April 2004.
The public servants covered by the Act are termed “relevant public servants” as defined in Section 2 of the Act. Under the Act, any relevant public servant who had not already reached their compulsory retirement age of 65 before that date has a new compulsory retirement age of 70. Prior to 26 December 2018, most of these public servants had a compulsory retirement age of 65.
The definition of relevant public servant includes the vast majority of pre-1 April 2004 public servants. The only significant exception is the “uniformed fast accrual” group, which comprises certain groups of employees in the public service who are required to retire early for operational reasons. This includes An Garda Síochána, members of the Permanent Defence Force, Firefighters and Prison Officers.
Public servants who wish to clarify issues regarding their retirement are advised to contact their employer's HR office who are best placed to assist them.
