Labour calls for fair pensions for uniformed services
Labour calls for fair pensions for uniformed services - The Labour Party
Labour Defence Spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has called on the Government to reinstate the supplementary pension facility for members of Ireland’s uniformed services, warning that continued inaction is driving a worsening recruitment and retention crisis across the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, Fire Services and the Prison Service.
In a letter to Minister Jack Chambers, Deputy Smith said frontline workers who dedicate their lives to protecting the public have been forced to accept praise in place of fair and secure remuneration.
Deputy Smith said:
“There is a clear and ongoing retention and recruitment crisis in our uniformed services. A major driver of this crisis is the current pension scheme, which actively encourages experienced personnel to leave early in order to protect their family’s financial future.
“This is a rational decision forced on people by a flawed system, but it represents a serious loss of experience and expertise for the State.”
Deputy Smith pushed back on Minister Chambers statements in December of 2025 which cited concerns around long-term pension sustainability and referenced the Future Forty: A Fiscal and Economic Outlook to 2065 report.
“That argument simply does not stand up to scrutiny,” Deputy Smith said. “In a country where 11 billionaires hold more wealth than 85% of adults combined, it is not the pensions of our uniformed services that threaten the public finances. The real issue is the State’s failure to properly tax extreme wealth.”
Deputy Smith concluded by urging the Government to change course and deliver pension and remuneration packages that reflect the vital role played by uniformed services.
“Government must now act to ensure those who protect this country can do so with dignity, security and fairness.”