Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2020
468. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education if an SNA employed by her Department can increase their pension contributions through additional voluntary contributions through her Department to their occupational pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26697/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Notional Service Scheme is a scheme that allows serving Special Needs Assistants who are members of the Superannuation (Education) Scheme, and who will have less than 40 years pensionable service at age 60 or 65, to purchase additional pensionable service.
Special Needs Assistants who are "new entrants" as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 can purchase notional service by reference to age 65 only, as the earliest age at which such staff can voluntarily retire is 65.
The additional service purchased is treated as actual service in the calculation of pension and lump sum entitlements.
Applications for a notional service quotation must be received in the Pension Unit of my Department and officials of this Unit have forwarded the Application Form to the individual concerned.
Upon receipt of the completed application form, a quotation will be calculated by the Pension Unit and issued to the individual concerned. Quotations are based on the salary and service of the individual on their next birthday.
