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Public Sector Pensions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Questions (262)

Alan Kelly

Question:

262. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the effect of an allowance on payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7039/18]

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Written answers

It should be noted that the pension entitlements of each member of An Garda Síochána are calculated individually based on the particular service details of the individual.

Estimates of pension entitlements for members of An Garda Síochána are available from my Department on request through the Garda Pensions Administration Section, Financial Shared Services, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

In relation to the specific circumstances outlined in the Deputy’s question, a retiring garda, taking account of their Gaeltacht allowance in calculating their pension entitlement, would receive an additional €2000 (€4,000 x 0.5 service decimal) in their annual pension as well as an additional €6,000 in their lump sum payment (€4,000 x 1.5 service decimal).

However, as the Deputy is probably aware, from the 6 April 1995 all new entrants to the public service, including members of An Garda Síochána, pay full class A PRSI contributions. Revised pension arrangements were also introduced which included provision for an employee pension contribution from pensionable pay and allowances in respect of personal pension benefits. When these changes were introduced rates of Garda pay and pensionable allowances for members appointed after 6 April 1995 were grossed up in order to compensate for the increase in their pension contribution. However the grossing up only included a small number of pensionable allowances. The arrangements regarding the payment of superannuation contributions payable on the allowances that were not grossed up, including the Gaeltacht allowance, are currently under review by my Department. It is, therefore, not possible at this stage to give a definitive figure in relation to superannuation contributions that would be due on retirement in the circumstances outlined.

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