Departmental Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 July 2012

Wednesday, 4 July 2012

Questions (143)

Tom Fleming

Question:

146 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of the over 9,000 persons from the public service who have retired over the past six months with high tax-free lump sum payments in many cases and substantial pensions that have been re-hired on contract; if these persons are now being paid on the double by the State, that is, their pension and the salary they are receiving under the new contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33085/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

One member of staff in my Department, the Chief Medical Advisor, has been rehired on a temporary contract. His salary is reduced to take account of the rate of his pension payment.

In addition, the acting Deputy Chief Medial Advisor has been retained, on a temporary basis, beyond his normal retirement age. Payment of his pension will be suspended pending the termination of his temporary retention.

The decision to re-employ the Chief Medical Advisor and to retain the acting Deputy Chief Medical Advisor was taken due to their specific skills and experience, the difficulty and long lead-in time for replacing such skills, and the critical importance of ensuring continuity and a high level of service to customers of the Department.