Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 7

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

71 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason her Department has refused to have an allowance in the nature of pay reckoned for pension purposes for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who was in receipt of this allowance at the time of his retirement; the reason her Department has asserted that it was a non-pensionable allowance and that the post of chief executive officer of the County Enterprise Board is outside the Civil Service when the definitive circular 24/73 stated that allowances were not to be designated as non-pensionable and further states that allowance will be reckoned for pensionable purposes; if this case will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11086/99]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The issue of the pensionability of the allowance referred to in the Deputy's question, has been the subject of protracted consultations with the Department of Finance. In a letter dated 26 April 1999 the Department of Finance has stated that they are prepared to regard the allowance as being in the nature of pay and, as such, covered by the terms of Circular 24/73.

In the light of this decision, I am pleased to advise that the pension and lump sum entitlements of the person referred to will be recalculated to take account of the fact that the allowances paid to him can now be reckoned for pension purposes.