Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 2

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

122 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will review the pension rights of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 in view of previous military service in a EU country and the possible implications under the European Community treaties and legislation. [11571/98]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

The grant of a superannuation award to or in respect of a local authority employee is a matter for the local authority concerned in the first instance. I have no function unless and until an appeal is made to me in relation to the failure or refusal of the local authority to grant a superannuation award or in relation to the amount of an award. Since the person concerned is not yet retiring, a decision by the local authority in relation to his superannuation entitlements does not arise at this time. Consequently, the question of an appeal does not arise.

There is no provision in our public service pension schemes which would allow for the reckoning of public service given in another country. However, such service might well qualify for a superannuation entitlement from that country and I would suggest that the person concerned might investigate this possibility with the relevant authorities in that country.