Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
505. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the entitlements of the surviving spouses of deceased retired members of An Garda Síochána; the extent to which the entitlements of retired members are extended to their surviving spouse after their death; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16211/24]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that entitlement to a Garda Spouses’ pension is based on the deceased Garda’s membership of the An Garda Síochána Spouses’ and Children’s Superannuation Scheme. All members of An Garda Síochána who were attested after November 1984 are members of the Spouses and Children’s scheme. Membership prior to 1984 was not mandatory for all members joining An Garda Síochána.
If a former member of An Garda Síochána was a member of the scheme, the deceased member’s spouse is entitled to a Spouse's Pension for their lifetime or until such time as the former members spouse remarries or cohabits. In the majority of cases this is calculated at the rate of 25% of the members Pensionable Remuneration. The payment of the Garda Spouses pension may be varied if there is a valid Pension Adjustment Order in place.
I can also advise the Deputy that pension payments are made monthly and in advance.
