Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2015
127. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an explanation of the workings of cost-neutral retirement pension schemes for nurses; if persons who took such an option have the option to seek a review of their pension entitlements or if they can alter their entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17932/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2005, the Minister for Finance introduced cost neutral early retirement (CNER) for the public service. Subject to eligibility, the scheme was made available to eligible public servants aged 50/55 years or over (subject to preserved pension age). This facility allows public servants to retire with immediate payment of pension benefits subject to an actuarial reduction to take account of the longer period over which the pension would be paid.
There is no specific CNER scheme for Nurses. Should a retiree (either CNER or otherwise) have a query regarding their pension entitlements or calculations they should contact the Pension Unit of their former employer in the first instance.
I have asked the HSE to forward the relevant CNER Circulars to the Deputy for his information.
