Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2024
47. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the progress being made to raise the mandatory retirement age in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13226/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I recently announced that Government had approved an increase in the mandatory retirement age in the Defence Forces to 60 years, and the maximum recruitment age for all personnel to 39 years. These changes will come into effect on 29 March 2024.
The recruitment and retention challenges experienced by the Defence Forces are well documented and Government approved these increases in an effort to remove any potential obstacles to recruiting and retaining personnel. These measures are considered key enablers in stabilising numbers in the Permanent Defence Force, which remains a challenge in the current buoyant economy, notwithstanding the range of other recruitment and retention initiatives currently being implemented, and progress in relation to pay.
Furthermore, a new fast accrual pensions’ policy framework has been approved and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform is preparing the necessary legislation which, when enacted, will allow for a further increase in the mandatory retirement age for all Permanent Defence Force ranks to 62.
