I propose to answer Questions Nos. 347, 348, 358 and 359 together.
I assume that the Deputies are referring to the Cost Neutral Early Retirement Scheme which was introduced into the Civil Service with effect from 1 April 2004. Under the terms of the Scheme, employees may retire between the ages of 50 and 59 on a reduced pension, at no net cost to the Exchequer. It should be pointed out that this is not a redundancy scheme and that staff who retire under the Scheme derive no additional financial benefit from availing of the Scheme. These staff are replaced in the normal course. In the period 1 April 2004 to 30 September 2008, a total of 5 staff in my Department and its Agencies have availed of the Scheme.