Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2014
252. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if public sector workers will be permitted to opt out of pension contributions to pursue their own pension plans; the reason such workers are compelled to make pension contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16547/14]
View answerAs a long-standing condition of employment, public servants are usually required to be members of the relevant pension scheme operating in their particular employment, for example the civil service scheme, the local government scheme or the new Single Public Service Pension Scheme. In general, membership of an occupational public service pension scheme is a valuable feature of the overall remuneration package offered by public service employers, and is consistent with the need to ensure the adequate coverage and sustainability of pension provision across the wider working population. Accordingly, I have no plans to allow public servants to opt out of their occupational pension schemes.
It should of course be noted that pensionable public servants, subject to Revenue and any other relevant regulatory constraints, may be able to augment their retirement income by way of AVC or PRSA arrangement, entered into at full cost to themselves with a pension provider.
