Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:68. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35155/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 October 2015
Ceisteanna (68)
Freagraí scríofa
Details concerning the pension entitlements of individual public servants are a matter for the relevant employer, pension administrator or Government Department in the first instance. However, I understand that public servants in general who began employment in a public service body prior to 1 April 2004 have a maximum retirement age of 65 under their terms and conditions of employment. For some roles, such as members of the fire brigade or An Garda Síochána, the maximum retirement age may be lower, for example 55 years of age in such cases. Public servants who have a maximum retirement age of 65 and have completed the applicable vesting period, are eligible to receive a public service pension and retirement lump sum upon retiring at 65 years of age.
When a public servant's public service pension is integrated (or co-ordinated) with the Contributory State Pension (CSP), the public service pension amount paid is based on the assumption that the pensioner also receives the CSP. Where this does not happen, a discretionary supplementary pension may be payable under the relevant public service pension scheme.
In such cases, a supplementary pension is only payable where the individual, through no fault of their own, does not qualify for the relevant social welfare benefit or qualifies at less than the maximum personal rate. It is therefore necessary to claim any available social welfare benefits in order to receive a supplementary pension. This situation is not new and already applies to public service workers who have a maximum retirement age below 65, such as members of the fire brigade or An Garda Síochána.