Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 November 2012
126. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the pensions of retired secretaries general are still linked to the salaries of existing secretaries general, or their former salaries upon retiring. [50686/12]
View answerSuperannuation benefits of retired Secretaries General are calculated by reference to pensionable remuneration at their date of retirement. It is the practice that pay increases granted to those serving in the equivalent grade are awarded to the relevant pensioners. However, having regard to the severe economic circumstances facing the country, there have been no salary or pension increases in the civil service since 2008. The Deputy will be aware that, in fact, pensions have been reduced. The pensions of Secretaries General who retired on or before 29 February 2012 are subject to the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) calculated in line with the following rates and bands:
Annual Public Service Pension (€) Reduction Rate
|
First 12,000 |
0% |
|
Between 12,000 and 24,000 |
6% |
|
Between 24,000 and 60,000 |
9% |
|
Between 60,000 and 100,000 |
12% |
|
Balance above 100,000 |
20% |
This reduction is exclusive of normal taxation.
It should also be noted that the pensions of Secretaries General retiring on or after 1 March 2012 are based on reduced pay rates which in turn will give a lower rate of pension. I should point out that, in common with all public servants, Secretaries-General have had their pay reduced substantially and serving Secretaries-General pay the pension levy.
