Brendan Smith
Question:352. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will examine the pension paid to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46048/13]
View answerTuesday, 5 November 2013
Questions (352)
Written answers
I understand the underlying issue relates to a provision known as ‘Allocation of Pension’.
The Superannuation Act 1956 (section 3), and the Superannuation (Allocation of Pension) Regulations 1957 (S.I. 20 of 1957), make provision for an established Civil Servant to surrender (or allocate) part of his or her own pension to provide a pension for a nominated beneficiary. Allocation of pension may be made only by a Civil Servant retiring on pension and may be made in favour of one beneficiary only. The beneficiary may be a spouse, or a specified dependent relative nominated by the scheme member.
Notice of allocation must be given more than six calendar months before the date of retirement. Having lodged a valid notice of allocation, the member is required not earlier than four months before the date of retirement to undergo a medical examination by a doctor nominated by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (previously the Minister for Finance). If the notice of allocation is in order and the Minister decides that the member is of sound health, the member will be notified accordingly and the allocation will be valid and will become effective at midnight on the date of retirement, provided the beneficiary is then alive.
The provision for allocation of pension was introduced at a time when there was no specific provision in the Civil Service Superannuation Code to award survivors’ benefits on the death of a serving or retired officer. A scheme to provide for such benefits was, however, subsequently introduced with effect from 23 July 1968 called the Widows’ and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme (now the Spouses’ and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme).
With regard to the specific case in question, it has been confirmed that the scheme member did not make an application for Allocation of Pension. The scheme member was a member of the relevant Spouses' and Children's Superannuation Scheme. In the circumstances of this case this meant that, upon the subsequent death of the scheme member, survivor pensions became, upon application, payable to the scheme member's spouse and his dependant. Any queries relating to the latter's entitlements under the Social Welfare code, such as ‘free travel’, would be a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.