Vol. 524 No. 5
157 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel who are in receipt of a non-established non-contributory pension; the number of civilians who work within his Department to whom this pension scheme applies; his views on whether it is time to change the inadequate pension and ensure a more appropriate pension scheme replaces it which is fairer and reflects the work experience and commitment of these employees. [22953/00]
The terms of the non-contributory pension scheme for civilian employees with the Defence Forces, and unestablished civil servants in my Department, are applicable to all non-established State employees across all Departments. The scheme provides for the payment of a pension and retirement lump sum on retirement, subject to certain service criteria. In addition, by virtue of their PRSI contributions, those employees in my Department who are covered by the terms of the non-contributory occupational pension scheme would also be eligible for a contributory retirement – old age pension from the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs. The occupational pension scheme is designed to ensure that, for an employee with "full" service, 40 years, his/her total pension benefit, social insurance pension plus occupational pension, would amount to 50% of pensionable remuneration. Moreover, if the employee concerned has dependants, his or her total benefit would be in excess of 50% of pensionable remuneration.
The pension terms of public servants employed in a number of areas, including those serving as civilian employees with the Defence Forces and as unestablished civil servants in my Department, are currently being examined by the Commission on Public Service Pensions. I understand that the report of the commission is expected to be presented to the Minister for Finance shortly and the Government will then consider the recommendations, if any, of the commission regarding the pension terms of those employees in my Department who are covered by the terms of the occupational non-contributory pension scheme.
The total number of personnel in the Department of Defence covered by the terms of the above pension scheme is 1,099.
