I assume that the Deputy is referring to the various voluntary early retirement schemes which were introduced in the public sector in 1987 and subsequently. The terms of the scheme introduced in the Civil Service in 1987 were also applied in the local authority, health and teaching areas and in some State bodies. Other State bodies devised compensation packages tailored to meet their particular needs and circumstances. Consequently, there are differences between schemes reflecting the different target groups within organisations, taking account of the age, service and salary profiles of these groups and the need for particular agencies to achieve varying levels of reduction in staff numbers. It must also be borne in mind that some organisations had previously put VER schemes in place.
As regards the question of reckoning overtime, I would point out that it is normal public sector practice to exclude overtime earnings in the determination of pensionable pay for the purposes of calculating superannuation benefits.
As regards Forbairt, I would point out that the question of VER-severance schemes for this agency is primarily the responsibility of the Minister for Enterprise and Employment. I can, however, say that a scheme for a small number of their staff was approved in 1994. Forbairt has now sought the introduction of a further limited scheme of VER severance and discussions are ongoing as to proposed funding arrangements, etc.
