Charles Flanagan
Question:95 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the reduction in pension entitlement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois whose pension has been reduced by £10.00 per month. [2044/97]
Written Answers. - Pension Entitlement.
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 fortnightly 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 fornightly pension the annual amount is divided by 26.09. On this basis this person's current pension rate is correct.