Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2017
199. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a review of the retirement benefit scheme on medical grounds will be considered to allow persons to take on rehabilitative work similar to his Department's disability allowance and partial capacity benefit schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53108/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe award of an occupational pension on retirement on medical grounds under pension schemes administered by my Department for teachers and other school staff is grounded on an assessment of the medical evidence supplied as part of the application process. The medical evidence is assessed by an Occupational Health Service Provider on behalf of the Department. The criteria to be satisfied are that the person is incapable by reason of infirmity of discharging his/her duties and that the infirmity is likely to be permanent. The decision to award or refuse a pension in such circumstances is made by my Department based on the medical recommendation.
My Department’s occupational pension schemes operate in the context of overall public service pension policy which is determined by the Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform. My Department does make provision for registered teachers who are still in employment to avail of reasonable accommodations (for those with disabilities) and partial return to work (for those transitioning from illness to full-time duties as appropriate) in conjunction with the Occupational Health Service Provider and their employer.
I understand that disability allowance and the partial capacity benefit schemes referred to by the Deputy are administered under the social welfare code. I am therefore not in a position to comment on the operation of those schemes.
