Public Sector Pensions Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 November 2019

Wednesday, 20 November 2019

Ceisteanna (102)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

102. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No.150 of 12 November 2019, if the question of the clear unfair anomaly between former public servants taking up employment again in the public sector against those that take up employment in the private sector will be addressed; his views on whether it is a positive disincentive for such persons, many of whose skills are still sought in the public sector, for them to take up employment there; his plans to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47973/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I am not of the view that there is an anomalous distinction between the approach for retired public servants taking up employment in the public service as compared to those who take up employment in the private sector.

In 2012, the then Government, in legislating to extend abatement to include re-employment anywhere in the public service, acknowledged issues around recruitment of skilled personnel. Section 52(4) provides for the granting of a waiver of abatement where the particular skills, training or experience required for a specific position are such that those skills, training or experience cannot be met other than by the engagement of a retired public servant.

Such waivers are granted in exceptional circumstances for a limited period of time and each waiver application is assessed on its merits.

Overall, the extension of abatement across the public service represents a suitable response to legitimate concerns about simultaneous payment of pension and salary in the public service.