Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Mar 1991

Vol. 405 No. 9

Written Answers. - Transfer of Service.

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

52 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the large number of Irish citizens who have spent a number of years in public service employment in Britain, professional and otherwise and who have transferred to similar employments under public authorities in the Republic, he will indicate the superannuation arrangements which exist between the two countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds):

There are no general arrangements in existence at present between Ireland and Britain for the transfer of public sector service for superannuation purposes.

In Ireland, the public sector transfer scheme, which dates from 1979, and a corresponding local government transfer scheme provide for the transfer of service for superannuation purposes on a reciprocal basis among participating organisations, mainly in the Irish public sector. While the transfer schemes do not at present cover transfers between the Irish and British public sectors, there are enabling provisions within the schemes under which such arrangements could be introduced. If such arrangements were to be implemented, transfers of service could be effected if the former employer, i.e. the British organisation, was prepared to make a superannuation contribution to the final employing organisation in respect of the prior service of the employee concerned. To date, however, there has been no indication of interest in such transfer arrangements on the part of organisations in the British public sector.

In the absence of a reciprocal transfer agreement with the appropriate British authorities, it would not be appropriate to amend Irish public sector superannuation arrangements to allow credit for service in Britain on a one-way transfer basis. Such an arrangement would entail substantial additional costs for the Exchequer which could not be justified.