asked the Minister for the Environment if he considers it right or equitable that employees who, for one reason or another, are obliged to leave the service of his Department, or freely relinquish their positions, should not be entitled to any portion of their lump sum or pension until reaching the age of 60, which can in many cases be 30 or 35 years after they have actually retired from the position; if he considers that any changes in the present rules governing the grant of superannuation awards are merited in view of this extraordinary position; and specifically, if he will consider the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin, in this context, in view of the degree of hardship being imposed.
Written Answers. - Departmental Superannuation Awards.
238.
The rules governing the grant of superannuation awards are in accordance with an agreement negotiated with and accepted by the staff interests involved and apply uniformly throughout the civil service. Under these rules a person who retires voluntarily before normal retiring age, but with at least five years' service, will have his pension and lump sum preserved, and up rated, until normal retiring age (if his pension rights cannot be transferred to other employment).
In the case referred to by the Deputy the employee concerned resigned voluntarily before normal retiring age and accordingly under these rules the deferment of his pension and lump sum until he reaches normal retiring age is obligatory.