Vol. 554 No. 5
392 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance if he will expand the Civil Service compulsory spouses and children's contributory pension scheme to include non-marital partners in order that they may avail of the scheme on the death of their partner; if this will include same-sex couples; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15553/02]
The Civil Service spouses' and children's contributory pension scheme provides pensions for the surviving spouses of married members. The terms of the scheme were considered by the Commission on Public Service Pensions. The commission, which drew together the views of unions, management and independent pensions experts, recommended a provision to allow payment of a pension to a financially dependent partner in certain circumstances. Two members of the commission entered a reservation in this matter to the effect that such a provision would move ahead of the law generally on family units based on marriage.
The Government has accepted the thrust of the package of reforms recommended by the commission and has established a working group, as provided for in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, comprising representatives of management and unions to advise on implementation. The operational details of the implementation of the commission recommendations are to be agreed by Government following receipt of a report from this group, which is expected later in the year. Pending receipt of this report, I am not in a position to give a more definitive response to the question posed by the Deputy.
