asked the Minister for Local Government whether his attention has been drawn to a report concerning a decision to amend the Local Government (Superannuation) Act, 1956; and if he will furnish details of the decision.
132.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Government Superannuation.
131.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether his attention has been drawn to a report of a decision to allow years of temporary service to stand for superannuation purposes; if he will give details of the decision; and when his Department will issue instructions to local authorities in the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.
The report concerns a decision to allow pensionable officers and pensionable servants of local authorities to reckon for superannuation purposes any service as wholetime temporary officer provided certain conditions are complied with. The main condition is that the wholetime temporary service should have been continuous, or substantially so, and that it should have been followed immediately by service in a pensionable capacity. The decision follows a similar decision made in 1967 in relation to the reckoning of unestablished service in the determination of Civil Service superannuation awards. Both decisions have effect from 1st January, 1968, and persons who retired on pension before that date will also benefit by having their pensions redetermined with effect from that date. Instructions on the implementation of the decision affecting local authority officers and servants are being prepared and will be issued to local authorities as soon as possible.
133.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he has received a request from the Kerry Branch of the Irish Local Government Officials Union requesting (a) the completion of the adjustment of pensions by equating them with pensions awarded to officers currently retiring, and (b) that a procedure be established by which all future increases in the pay of serving officers will be accompanied by similar proportionate increases in the pensions of retired officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have recently received a request on the lines indicated in the Deputy's Question.