Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 May 2018
63. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if all existing public servants can work beyond 66 years of age under a new scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23084/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Single Public Service Pension Scheme (Single Scheme), which was introduced on 1 January 2013 under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012, applies to all first-time new entrants to the public service from that date. It also applies to former pensionable public servants returning to public service employment after a break of more than 26 weeks, as well as to all former non-pensionable public servants returning to public service employment regardless of how short the break in employment.
For most Single Scheme members, the minimum pension age is aligned to the Contributory State Pension qualifying age and is currently set at age 66, rising to age 67 in 2021 and age 68 in 2028, while the maximum pension age is 70, upon which a Scheme member must retire.
The 2012 Act also provides that a Scheme member may retire early from age 55, with actuarially reduced benefits, provided they meet certain qualifying conditions and their Relevant Authority/employer consents.
There are separate, lower minimum pension ages in the Single Scheme for certain non-standard (“fast-accrual”) membership categories such as An Garda Síochána, the Permanent Defence Force, Prison Officers and Firefighters.
For further information, the Deputy will be aware that my Department is currently working on primary legislation to increase the compulsory retirement age to 70, for public servants recruited prior to 1 April 2004. No change is being made to the minimum pension age. Once this legislation is commenced, the earliest compulsory retirement age that will apply to the vast majority of public servants will be age 70.
