asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has to allow civil servants who have completed 40 years service to retire without any loss of pension rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Pension Rights.
49.
Under present arrangements, it is possible for civil servants who have reached the minimum retirement age of 60 to retire voluntarily with immediate payment of pension and lump sum based on accrued pensionable service. Furthermore, civil servants who resign before age 60 can, if they have at least five years pensionable service, have their accrued superannuation entitlements preserved and paid at age 60 on an updated basis.
Because of the extra immediate costs involved for the Exchequer in any earlier than anticipated payments, it is not proposed to reduce the minimum age at which civil servants may retire with immediate pension and lump sum.