Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
256. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to increase the public service pension payment a retired public sector worker receives in line with the additional years public servants can now work up to 70 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54379/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018 came into effect on 26 December 2018. The Act provides for an increase in the compulsory retirement age of public servants recruited prior to 1 April 2004, from age 65 to age 70, other than a member of the uniformed pension fast accrual group, such as Gardai, Prison Officers, Fire Fighters and members of the Permanent Defence Force who, for operational reasons are required to retire early.
Now that the legislation has come into effect, no public servant, other than a member of the uniformed pension fast accrual group mentioned above has a compulsory retirement age of less than 70.
Under the terms of the Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018, affected public servants may remain in work beyond the age of 65 and up to the age of 70 on current terms and conditions, including pay and pension. Public servants who choose to remain at work after the age of 65 will continue to be a member of the relevant pension scheme and they will accrue pension benefits and pay pension contributions in the normal way, in line with scheme rules. Pension will continue to accrue as normal past the age of 65, subject to the statutory maximum of 40 years’ reckonable service, and pension will become payable on the date of retirement. Accordingly, the further adjustment of existing pension payment terms for public servants in consequence of the enactment Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018 does not arise.
