asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will proceed immediately to designate the secondary teacher and Garda Síochána services under section 4 of the Superannuation and Pensions Act, 1963; and if he will make such designation retrospective to cover all members of the Garda Síochána who have applied to join the secondary teachers' superannuation scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Service Pensions.
20.
It has been agreed in principle to designate secondary teaching and the Garda Síochána under section 4 of the Superannuation and Pensions Act, 1963. However, before they are designated certain amendments to the secondary teachers superannuation scheme and the Garda Síochána pensions orders will be necessary and these, subject to the approval of the Oireachtas, will be made as soon as possible. It would not be feasible to make such designation retrospective as the provisions of section 4 of the Act referred to cannot be operated retrospectively; however, I understand that the practice in cases of transfers between the Garda Síochána and secondary teaching is to make special arrangements to enable pension rights to be preserved pending formal designation under the Act.
Will these special arrangements operate retrospectively?
No, it would not be possible to operate them retrospectively.
21.
asked the Minister for Public Service if he will implement full parity of pensions in respect of Garda pensioners.
This is a matter for consideration in connection with the forthcoming budget.