Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
299. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to introduce a more efficient way of declaring a pension payment for those living abroad, particularly those who have a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23629/20]
View answerPensions declarations in respect of pensions paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas are governed by subsection 5(1) of the Appropriation Act 1962 and the Pensions Declaration (Amendment) Rules 2003.
I understand the Deputy is referring to the process for receipt of civil service pension declarations that are administered by the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) in accordance with those statutes. The process for those living in the State and/or abroad, including those with a disability, is outlined below.
Pensions declarations administered by the NSSO as follows.
- Upon notification of an individual’s intention to retire or an application for preserved benefits, the NSSO will issue a Retirement Pack which includes the Pension Declaration, via email and/or post. The Retirement Pack is also available to download online.
- The details of those permitted to complete and witness the Pensions Declaration both in the State and abroad, in accordance with paragraph 4 of the Pensions Declaration (Amendment) Rules, 2003, are provided in the Retirement Pack and communicated to the civil servant/former civil servant.
- A guide is made available to assist the civil servant/former civil servant in completing the Retirement Pack. However, should the individual require assistance to complete their forms, the NSSO will make the individual aware that the Civil Service Employment Assistance Service is available to assist and/or the Disability Liaison Officer in their Local HR.
- In the event that an individual is/becomes incapacitated, whether living in the State or abroad, this becomes what is known as a Committee Case. In these circumstances where an application is being made for retirement benefits, the Retirement Pack, including Pension Declarations, are completed on behalf of the civil servant by the person nominated to look after their affairs.
- Those in receipt of pensions abroad are also issued with a Pension Declaration form on an annual basis for return by post to the NSSO offices based in Tullamore to ascertain continued entitlement.
My understanding is that here are no plans at present to change this process.
If there is a specific issue in relation to an individual case, this can be raised through the relevant HR contacts with the Department from which the individual retired or directly with the NSSO.
