Increased retirement age for Defence Forces will have hugely positive impact - Cowen

Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen has welcomed changes in the retirement age for Permanent Defence Force personnel.

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, announced on Tuesday last that the mandatory retirement age will increase to 60 with effect from March 29. The measure will cover all Permanent Defence Force ranks that currently have a mandatory retirement age below 60. The maximum recruitment age will also be raised to 39 under the changes with effect from the same date.

Speaking after the announcement, Deputy Cowen said: "The change in the mandatory retirement age affecting almost all personnel of the Defence Forces is hugely welcome. It will help boost the retention of experienced staff and key specialists, which is very much needed at present. The continuity provided by allowing these experienced personnel to prolong their careers will also contribute to enhanced training experiences for new recruits.

"The decision by Government to also raise the recruitment age to 39 will allow more people can sign up to join the Defence Forces. Our Defence Force numbers need to increase across the board and the measures announced by the Tánaiste will have a hugely positive impact in this regard."

The Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD, also received Government approval this week for a new fast accrual pensions’ policy framework and 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.