I propose to take Questions Nos. 810 and 811 together.
Since 1985, the retirement age for retained fire fighters has been set at 55. However, following a review in 2003, fire-fighters now have an option to continue working up to age 58, provided they pass an annual occupational health test.
Under an improved retirement gratuity scheme introduced with effect from April 2001, retained fire fighters are paid on retirement a gratuity of 1/8th of their inclusive annual retainer for each year of service subject to a maximum gratuity of four times the inclusive annual retainer.
In the case of full-time fire service personnel, superannuation entitlements are calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Superannuation) Consolidation Scheme 1998.