Mandatory retirement age for Defence Forces increases to 62

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

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

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.”

The Department of Defence said 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".