Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 June 2012
129 Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that in the case of early retirements, the Health Service Executive is paying lump sums and that it is not making alternative arrangements, such as paying interest on the lump sum instead of the lump sum itself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26444/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo date, the retirement benefits of more than 90% of staff who retired from the public health sector before the end of the ‘grace period' have been fully paid out. The processing of benefits in some cases can be very complex . Where delays have been experienced, or where a retired staff member has requested to be paid some monies, the HSE has made interim part-payments. This is in order to minimise financial hardship. This part-payment is made while the retired employee's full career service and pensionable earnings are being verified. The HSE administer payment of pensions and lump sums to retiring staff in accordance with the terms of their superannuation scheme. There is no provision in the superannuation scheme for the payment of interest on lump sumps, as referred to by the Deputy.
