Vol. 473 No. 3
34 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the reason the basic rate of pension has been reduced considerably without explanation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork, who is in receipt of a pension from his Department; and if he will arrange to have the matter investigated. [25092/96]
The basic rate of pension has not been changed, but the frequency of payment has been changed from monthly to fortnightly. Civil Service pensions were paid monthly until September 1996. From 1 October 1996 payment was changed to a forthnightly basis, with the first such payment being made on 17 October 1996. This was agreed following representations made by the Retired Civil and Public Servants' Association. Notification of the changeover was included with all pensions issued on 17 October 1996. Payment is now made on alternate Thursdays, as is the case for similar salary payments throughout the Civil Service. For precise calculation of the forthnightly pension, the annual amount is divided by 26.09. On this basis this person's current pension rate is correct.
