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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Nov 1992

Vol. 424 No. 8

Written Answers. - Public Service Widow's Pension.

Alan Shatter

Question:

90 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Finance the rules applicable to the payment of a public service widows' pension; the consideration, if any, being given to the payment of such a pension to a woman who was cohabiting with a person prior to his death; and the arrangements, if any, he proposes to put in place in the event of a constitutional change allowing for divorce legislation within the State.

The Civil Service Spouses' and Children's Pension Scheme, and similar schemes elsewhere in the public service, provide pensions for the surviving spouse and children of members of those schemes. No consideration is being given to changing those schemes so as to have them apply to cohabitees of members.

The problem of occupational pension schemes generally in the context of divorce is dealt with in the Government's White Paper on Marital Breakdown and the operation of the Civil and Public Service pension schemes may fall to be reviewed in the light of any developments on the matters raised in the Paper.

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