Michael Bell
Question:38 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the pension arrangements for those appointed under the Top Level Appointments Committee who retire on the expiry of their contracts.
Written Answers. - Top Level Appointments Committee.
I should like to make it clear that secretaries and heads of Departments appointed by the Government, following a recommendation from the Top Level Appointments Committee, hold office at the will and pleasure of the Government in accordance with section 5 of the Civil Service Regulation Act, 1956.
They have no entitlement to retire on pension at the end of their term appointments unless, of course, they have reached age 60 by then. Where an appointee reaches the end of his/her term before age 60, the Government consider the position in each individual case with a view to deciding whether to appoint the person concerned to another position elsewhere in the Civil Service. If the Government decide not to follow this course, then other options are explored, including a possible appointment elsewhere in the public service or in an international organisation. Such appointments would be by mutual agreement. Where these options are not possible, then the Government may, at their discretion, allow early retirement in accordance with the provisions of sections 6 and 7 of the Superannuation and Pensions Act, 1963. Where an appointee reaches the end of his/her term after age 60 but before the normal retiring age of 65, these provisions may also be applied.