ARTICLE · 11 FEBRUARY 2026

Changes Ahead For Contractual Retirement Ages

Matheson

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As demographic trends shift, the topic of retirement is on the agenda for many employers. Retirement is also a key policy consideration for the government most notably with the signing into law of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 (the “Act”) in December 2025.

IrelandEmployment and HR

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As demographic trends shift, the topic of retirement is on the agenda for many employers. Retirement is also a key policy consideration for the government most notably with the signing into law of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 (the “Act”) in December 2025. The Act allows, but does not compel, an employee to stay in employment until they reach the “pensionable age” (defined as 66 years). The Act requires a commencement order before it comes into operation.

This article considers (i) the legal framework on retirement in Ireland before and after the passing of the Act; (ii) recommendations for employers in practice; and (iii) pension and insured benefits considerations for employers and employees working beyond retirement.

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