Public Sector Pensions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016

Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Ceisteanna (554, 563, 642, 643)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

554. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views regarding the pensions that employers of an organisation (details supplied) receive. [22315/16]

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

563. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health the efforts he is making to ensure that all employees of the Central Remedial Clinic receive adequate pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21948/16]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

642. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the fact that a decision on certain CRC staff members' inclusion in the State SPSPS is due to be made within the next few weeks; if he will ensure that the affected staff are included in the SPSPS; if this decision will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22368/16]

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

643. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans to sanction the inclusion of the CRC workers into the SPSPS with equivalent benefits; when this decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22370/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 554, 563, 642 and 643 together.

In relation to the 44 employees of the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) who were members of a funded DB scheme, I am aware that the HSE is currently examining a submission which has been provided by the CRC. The Department is awaiting receipt of the HSE's evaluation of the CRC submission and their recommendation on how to address the pension issues with the CRC.

On receipt of this evaluation, my Department will, in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, urgently examine the HSE recommendation in the context of current policy and legislation in relation to superannuation.

By way of background, I would like to clarify that employment in a public service body does not determine the type of pension scheme that is available to an individual employee. There are a variety of pension schemes that operate in the public service depending on when and how an individual enters the public service. In general, the majority of public servants are members of various public service ‘pay as you go’ Defined Benefit (DB) schemes which may have different minimum pension age, accrual terms, contribution rates etc. In addition, some employees of Section 38 agencies are members of funded Defined Benefit pension schemes which are administered by scheme trustees while others are members of Defined Contribution (DC) schemes. New entrants to the public service recruited on or after 1 January 2013 are generally members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (SPSPS) and have career average pension benefits.