Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2016
93. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of a person's retirement pension (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16158/16]
View answerThe person to whom the Deputy refers has been in direct contact with officials of my Department concerning her retirement options. In this connection she sought and was provided with a statement of the estimated benefits she would receive were she to retire voluntarily with cost neutral early retirement benefits. This category of pension is actuarially reduced to reflect its coming in payment early and the longer period over which it may fall to be paid.
More recently a statement has issued to the person of the estimated benefits that would be payable if she were to be successful in an application for retirement on medical grounds.
Entitlement to retire with a pension on grounds of permanent ill-health is not automatic. When a person makes application for retirement on medical grounds s/he must submit medical evidence from the person's treating medical advisor for consideration by the Occupational Health Service. The Occupational Health Service provider makes a recommendation as to whether or not the teacher is incapable by reason of infirmity of mind or body of discharging his/her duties as a teacher where that infirmity is likely to be permanent. The Occupational Health Service Provider (as contracted by the Department) is the sole recognised provider of independent medical advice for teachers and employers. The OHS provider, is staffed by Occupational Health Specialist Physicians with post- graduate qualifications in occupational health. Following receipt of the recommendation of the Occupational Health Physician, the Department makes a decision to approve or reject the application. Where an applicant is unsuccessful there is provision for an appeal and details regarding the appeal process are advised to an applicant when an applicant is notified that his/her application has not been successful.
The staff of the Pension Unit of my Department will address any further follow-up enquires directly with the person on these issues. If a formal application for retirement is received it will be progressed as promptly as possible.
