“From today, members of An Garda Síochána no longer have to retire at 60, a change which will allow gardaí work longer, something that many have campaigned for.

“There will be many benefits to this move including retaining more gardaí in the force, using their vital experience to train new recruits and importantly, giving gardaí the option to work longer if they want to.

“This change coupled with many significant measures, including increasing the age entry from 35 to 50 and record investment in of An Garda Síochána is another example of how this Government will continue to support gardaí across the country who are doing tremendous work in protecting our communities.”

“People are living longer and working longer in their chosen career across all sectors, and it is important that members of An Garda Síochána can continue to work to 62 if they wish to do so.

“There is a real appetite for this in An Garda Síochána. Since 2020 the Department of Justice has processed almost 180 requests for retirement extensions, and the change we are now making was requested by both the Garda Commissioner and the Garda associations.

“It is very clear that many Garda members want to work beyond on the age of 60, so this is practical and helpful in retaining those members’ vital knowledge and expertise in the organisation.

“We are immensely grateful to all of our serving Garda members and the vital work they do in ensuring we have stronger, safer communities.”

“I welcome the increased retirement age in An Garda Síochána. People are healthier and living longer, and this is acknowledged by the recent increase to retirement ages across the uniformed services. Gardaí, along with prison officers, firefighters and Defence Forces personnel can now work for longer, if they so choose.

“These professions provide such a vital role in our society and An Garda Síochána will greatly benefit from the extended contribution of experienced personnel. It also provide an greater opportunity for skills and knowledge transfer to new recruits.

“This important measure, facilitated by my Department, reaffirms the government's policy to encourage and support longer and fuller working lives.”

“I have repeatedly said that no stone would be left unturned when it came to Garda recruitment and all measures would be considered.

“We have invested unprecedented funds into An Garda Síochána which has allowed for the significant increase in the Garda training allowance to €305 per week.

“We have also increased the entry age from 35 to 50 which resulted in a further increase in the number of applicants in the most recent Garda recruitment campaign.

“Garda recruitment is continuing apace and we are also seeing greater flexibility in facilitating some Gardaí who left the organisation for personal reasons, returning to continue their career in An Garda Síochána.

“Being a Garda is undoubtedly a challenging career, but Gardaí make an immense contribution to our communities across the country and this Government is committed to supporting them in doing so.”