I can confirm that a retired member of the Garda Síochána is employed by me as Civilian Driver at an annual salary of €32,965.
I can also confirm that there are currently two retired public servants who, whilst not on the payroll of my Department, are engaged in specific projects under the aegis of my Department; one as Chairman of a VFM Review Group at a cost of €1,200 and the other as a Process Auditor for the procurement of a National Postcode System at a cost of €9,840. These were Departmental appointments.
In addition to the above one retired public servant sitting on an Audit Committee for the Department on a pro bono basis.
Retired public and civil servants are engaged from time to time by my Department in areas where specific expertise is required for a short fixed period, and these staff provide a level of knowledge, experience and background compatible with such requirements.
The abatement principle, which ensures that the fee paid plus pension does not exceed the rate of pay the pensioner would receive if he/she had continued service in their former post, applies to payments as appropriate.
