Michael Ring
Question:837. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to the pension of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36122/22]
View answerTuesday, 5 July 2022
Questions (837)
Written answers
A reply issued to the individual concerned from the Department of Health on 26 April, 2022.
In that reply the individual was advised on the application of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013 (FEMPI), i.e., salary and pension reductions throughout the civil and public service.
In 2015 the Lansdowne Road Agreement was implemented to restore the cuts imposed under FEMPI 2013.
It was advised that, as the individual retired prior to 2010, they were not subject to the cuts imposed under FEMPI and therefore restoration does not apply in their case. However, as a pre-2012 pensioner, they would have been subject to the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) which was introduced in January 2011. This was a cut in public service pensions where the pre-PSPR value of the pension exceeded a specified amount.
The FEMPI Act 2015 provided for a partial reversal of PSPR in the years 2016, 2017 and 2018. Further amendments were provided for under the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 for the years 2019 and 2020. PSPR was ceased fully on 1 July 2021.
Notwithstanding the above, under Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) pension increase policy, the individual may be entitled to certain pension increases - DPER Circulars 20/2017, 2/2018, 19/2019 and 10/2021 refer.
It has been confirmed by the HSE that all relevant increases have been applied to the individual's pension to date and that increases for 2021 are currently being reviewed. Should the individual be due a pension increase, it will be applied as soon as possible by the relevant HSE pensioner payroll.
The individual also queried whether contributions they paid during their service would enable a pension payment to their spouse in the event of the individual's death. The HSE has confirmed that the person was not a member of the Widow's and Orphans/Spouses and Children's Superannuation Scheme which provides for pensions to spouses and children of deceased former members. However, it is advised that the individual make enquiries directly with their former employer, HSE West, who can be contacted at Pensions.West@hse.ie or by phoning (091) 775 487.