Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016
305. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a query regarding pension entitlements by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29296/16]
View answerThe issue raised in this question relates to a provision of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 which extended the application of pension abatement to cases in which the public service pensioner secures an appointment in sectors other than the sector in which the pensioner had been previously employed.
Abatement of pension in the public service is intended to ensure that a pensioner's combined income from salary and occupational pension does not exceed the salary he or she would have had if he or she had not retired from the civil or public service. The principle of abatement goes as far back as the Superannuation Act 1834. Prior to the 2012 Act, abatement could normally only apply where the pensioner returned to the same public service employment or pension scheme from which his or her pension was payable. The application of abatement was widened by section 52 of the 2012 Act so that it can now apply in respect of a public service pensioner taking up an appointment in any sector of the public service. No amendment to this provision is currently planned.
