Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
928. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice the situation regarding the calculation of pension entitlements for prison officers who joined the service since June 1995 and how their pension is integrated with the State social welfare pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42632/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the principal terms and conditions of employment with regard to revised salary scales and revised superannuation arrangements of Civil Servants hired between 6th April 1995 and 31st December 2012 are laid down in Department of Finance Circular 06/1995: Revised social insurance status and conditions of service of certain civil servants.
Civil Servants employed from January 2013 are members of what is known as the Single Scheme. This is a defined contribution scheme and its operation is governed by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
I am further advised that all Civil and Public Servants hired on or after 6th April 1995 are in full PRSI class and, subject to certain conditions, are eligible to claim the State Pension (Contributory). In recognition of that fact the relevant pension scheme is integrated, which means that the pension benefits – as well as the member’s pension contribution rate – take into account the State Pension benefits that may payable to the individual.
The Deputy may wish to note that the terms and conditions applicable to the pension entitlements of civil servants of any civil/public service pension scheme are a matter in the first instance for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER).
