Soldiers and sailors can keep working until 62 after changes to mandatory retirement age
The same rules also apply to GardaĆ, prison officers and firefighters but in all cases, it is up to the individual whether or not they want to continue working beyond 60
![Soldiers and sailors can keep working until 62 after changes to mandatory retirement age](https://europe.easybranches.com/uploads/news/2024/08/6701276.jpg)
Soldiers and sailors will be allowed to keep working until 62 after the Government announced changes to the mandatory retirement age.
The same rules also apply to Gardaí, prison officers and firefighters but in all cases, it is up to the individual whether or not they want to continue working beyond 60.
The increase takes effect today after Defence Minister Micheal Martin signed the regulations to allow for the change from 60 to 62 for personnel.
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The change will cover all Defence Force ranks and other uniformed public servants who previously had no option but to retire when they reached 60.
Mr Martin, who is also Tanaiste, said: “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.
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“Together with several other recruitment and retention initiatives, including the rollout 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.”
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