Vol. 407 No. 6
58 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Energy the action he proposes to take to remove the anomaly whereby forestry service pensioners who retired on health grounds before 1 January 1989, the vesting day for Coillte Teoranta, but did not become eligible for retirement pension until after 1 January 1989 are paid a lesser rate of pension than all others qualifying for retirement pension after 1 January 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There is no difference in the pension scheme operated by the Forest Service in respect of pensioners who retired before 1 January 1989 and that operated by Coillte Teoranta in respect of pensioners who retired on or after that date. I am not aware of any anomaly arising due to retirement before or after 1 January 1989 1989. However, an increase in pay occurred with effect from 1 January 1989 and that would be included in the pensions of persons retiring after that date, whereas earlier retirees would have their pensions adjusted subsequently. As a variety of factors influence the calculation of a pension it is necessary to look at all the facts in a particular case and if the Deputy has any such cases in mind I will arrange to have them reexamined.
