In response to the question as to the reason why the individual in question cannot drawn down her Civil Service pension, my office has confirmed that it is a matter of policy, in accordance with the rules of the Established Civil Service Scheme. The reason why this individual cannot draw down the pension now is because it appears this person is not yet 60 years of age. The individual concerned left the Civil Service in 2015 and is therefore a preserved member of the Established Civil Service Scheme. Section 13 of the Superannuation Handbook for members of the Established Civil Service Scheme states that an officer who leaves the Civil Service having completed a minimum of 2 years' qualifying service is entitled to preserved superannuation benefits payable at the preserved pension age of 60. A copy of the Superannuation Handbook which details the scheme rules for the Established and Unestablished schemes can be accessed via this website http://www.cspensions.gov.ie/.