Ministers have approved the general scheme of the Employment (Restriction of Certain Mandatory Retirement Ages) Bill 2023, which will prevent the enforcement of mandatory retirement ages lower than the state pension age, which is currently 66.

Workers will be allowed to retire before the state pension age, but employers will not be allowed to compel them.

The general scheme will now be referred to the Oireachtas committee on enterprise, trade and employment for pre-legislative scrutiny.

Separate legislation will increase the mandatory retirement age for gardaí, members of the Defence Forces and prison officers from 60 to 62.

Justice minister Helen McEntee said: “This increase in the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 62 is just one measure I am taking to support An Garda Síochána, as this government demonstrates its determination to build stronger, safer communities.

“We know a strong An Garda Síochána is central to that and in order to keep it strong, it is important that we retain the knowledge and expertise of experienced people where possible.

“In addition, increasing the mandatory retirement age reflects the reality across all sectors that people can and want to work in their chosen careers for longer.”