John McGuinness
Question:260 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reasons retained fire fighters are not entitled to pensions; and the plans, if any, there are to change this situation. [20087/98]
Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.
Officers and employees of local authorities who are employed in a whole-time capacity are eligible to become members of the local government superannuation scheme. Retained fire fighters are not whole-time and are not therefore eligible to join the scheme. However, there is a gratuity scheme which provides, subject to certain conditions, for the payment to a retained fire fighter on retirement of up to three times the inclusive annual retainer, depending on the length of service.
Having regard to the nature of employment of retained fire fighters, I consider that the retirement gratuity is the best option as regards compensation for service given in the retained fire service and I have no plans to change the scheme.