Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
364. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department is looking at the pension abatement issue; if his Department is considering exceptions for those who are carrying out critical work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37140/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe abatement of public service pensions is provided for in Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 – the Single Scheme Act, however the principle of abatement is longstanding and dates back to the Superannuation Acts, 1834. In the context of public service pensions, abatement is the suspension or reduction in an individual’s public service pension(s) where that individual is re-employed in the public service.
Abatement policy ensures that a retired public servant receives only the amount of pension, that when combined with the remuneration in their new post, does not contribute to them exceeding the pensionable remuneration of their former position. It should be noted that only the pension is abated - the individual is entitled to the full remuneration associated with the new post.
As the Deputy may be aware, there is discretion under Section 52(4) of the Single Scheme Act to grant a waiver of abatement. Circular 24/2022 Explanatory Document, available on www.publicservicepensions.gov.ie/, contains a checklist of what is required for a public service body to submit a business case in order for me to consider the granting of a waiver of abatement. These waivers are generally granted only in exceptional circumstances and for a limited period of time. Each waiver application is assessed on its merits.
