Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
810 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the age at which part-time fire officers are required to retire; the length this age limit has been in place; if a change to the current retirement age is planned in the near future; if a review is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11665/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra811 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the rate of redundancy which will be paid in respect of part-time and full-time fire officers; if such rates are agreed centrally or subject to local negotiations; if there is Government policy in place in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11666/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 810 and 811 together.
Since 1985, the retirement age for retained fire fighters has been set at 55. However, following a review in 2003, fire-fighters now have an option to continue working up to age 58, provided they pass an annual occupational health test.
Under an improved retirement gratuity scheme introduced with effect from April 2001, retained fire fighters are paid on retirement a gratuity of 1/8th of their inclusive annual retainer for each year of service subject to a maximum gratuity of four times the inclusive annual retainer.
In the case of full-time fire service personnel, superannuation entitlements are calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Superannuation) Consolidation Scheme 1998.
