asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the extent to which (1) paid leave and paid sick leave, (2) unpaid leave and unpaid sick leave, are reckoned under the pensions scheme for (a) established State employees and (b) unestablished State employees.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Service Sick Leave.
38.
Paid leave reckons for pension purposes for both established and unestablished employees. Paid sick leave, with the exception of sick leave at pension rate of pay in the case of established employees, also reckons for pension purposes.
Unpaid leave and unpaid sick leave do not in general reckon for pension purposes.
What does the Minister mean by "in general"?
I am not aware of any exceptions.
Can the Minister state if the same conditions apply to established employees as apply to unestablished employees?
No.
In view of the fact that a pension scheme has been introduced for unestablished servants, would the Minister not agree that in fairness it should apply to both categories?
As yet this question has not been considered. The Deputy will appreciate that the pension scheme for unestablished employees came into operation only on 1st January, 1970. The details of the scheme were finalised only this year so that this question has not been considered. However, I would not rule it out of consideration in the future.
Before the general application of the pension scheme, perhaps the Minister would mention to his Department that this clause could be included? It is only fair that both sections should get the same treatment.
I should not like to hold up the scheme. I should prefer to think in terms of a future amendment of the scheme rather than hold it up now. I would mention to the Deputy that quite a number of pensions have been paid under this scheme.
A few pensions have been paid, but only after a lot of effort to get them.