Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
382. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the exact reason for the delay in resolving the issue regarding post-1995 retired Garda members having to apply for jobseeker’s benefit to access their pension entitlements, given it is affecting a large number of Garda members at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56834/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, I have overall policy responsibility in relation to public service occupational pension schemes payable to retired public servants.
Under the current rules pertaining to supplementary pensions, individuals are required to engage with the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to exhaust their Social Insurance entitlements in order to qualify for the payment of an occupational supplementary pension. The rules surrounding qualifying for a Social Insurance benefit are a matter for the DSP.
My Department is aware that there are some issues concerning the procedures for qualifying for the payment of an occupational supplementary Pension and we are liaising with the DSP and other key stakeholders to review the processes involved and establish if a more efficient and streamlined approach is possible. This is a complex matter which is under active consideration.
