Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2013
334. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding retained fire fighters who did not opt for the pension superannuation scheme as offered in June 2008; the reason their pay is deducted with a pension levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11046/13]
View answerThe Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 states that any public servant, who is a member of a public service pension scheme, is entitled to a benefit under such a scheme, or receives a payment in lieu of membership in such a scheme, is subject to a deduction from their remuneration. In 2008, retained firefighters were given the option of joining the Local Government Superannuation Scheme (LGSS). Retained firefighters who opted not to join the scheme receive, on retirement, a gratuity of 1/8th of the annual retainer multiplied by the number of years of actual service (up to a maximum of four times the annual retainer). This is a payment in lieu of membership of a pension scheme, and as such retained firefighters are subject to the deduction outlined in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009.
