asked the Minister for the Environment if he will introduce an amendment to the Local Government Officers (Widows and Orphans Contributory Pension) Scheme to cater for the position of marriage breakdown, judicial separation and/or annulment.
Written Answers. - Pension Scheme Amendment.
43.
The scheme referred to by the Deputy was negotiated with staff interests and is in line with similar schemes in operation throughout the public sector generally. The rules of the scheme provide for the grant of a pension to the spouse of a deceased member or former member and there are no provisions whereby this entitlement may be cancelled or transferred in cases of marriage breakdown, judicial separation or annulment. There are no proposals for any change in this area.