Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
64. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when he will be bringing forward legislation to increase the mandatory retirement age for certain public sector workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17648/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully support increases to the retirement ages in the uniformed services. The changes proposed by the respective Ministers that are being facilitated by my Department will enhance the options available to members of the uniformed services, and allow them to remain in service for longer if they choose to do so. Furthermore, it will assist in retaining valuable expertise.
Following a comprehensive analysis undertaken by my Department to examine the issue of mandatory retirement age increases and the fast accrual pension terms which apply to uniformed public servants, a policy framework on fast accrual pensions was established.
Under this framework, fast accrual pension terms will be facilitated until age 60. If an individual remains in employment beyond that age, their pension accrual reverts to a standard basis from that point until their retirement.
This policy provides an equitable and sustainable basis on which to facilitate increases to the mandatory retirement age in these sectors. It strikes the right balance between competing demands; it satisfies equity and cost concerns, and it gives uniformed public servants greater choice as to how long they wish to work.
In the context of this policy, an increased mandatory retirement age of 62 for members of An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, Firefighters and the Irish Prison Service services was proposed and was approved by Government.
My officials are at an advanced stage of drafting the legislation to enact the necessary amendments and are working with colleagues in other relevant departments to progress through all stages of the legislative process as quickly as possible.
