asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the pensions of retiring district medical officers who have service of 46 years are £1,300 per annum; and if he will take steps to increase such pensions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - District Medical Officers' Pensions.
31.
The amount of a local authority or health board pension depends on length of service and level of earnings at retirement and is regulated by law, principally by the Local Government (Superannuation) Act, 1956. The grant of the pension is a matter for the local authority or health board concerned and there is no record kept in my Department, in the normal way, of the details of awards made. Local authority and health board pensions, including pensions of district medical officers, are increased from time to time, with my general sanction, in accordance with the increases in public service pensions as provided for annually in the budget and authorised by regulations made under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1964. Where a person is aggrieved by the amount of a pension awarded by a local authority or health board, or by the amount of a pension increase, there is provision for a statutory right of appeal to me against the local authority or health board decision.