Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for affording me an opportunity to raise this important issue, namely, the need for the Health Service Executive to tackle the backlog in processing pension entitlements for 1,888 low paid, part-time former health board workers whose pension entitlements are integrated with social welfare payments. The change in the way in which the service and remuneration of these workers is to be reckoned for pension calculation purposes was announced in Circular 20/2005 entitled, Public Service Pension Reform: Revised Arrangements for Part-time Public Servants, which was issued seven years ago. Having pursued this matter since 2005, I am extremely frustrated that little progress has been made and it was for this reason that I felt compelled to take the matter to the floor of the House and seek commitments directly from the Minister. Unfortunately, he is not present but I await his response on the matter.

The change announced in the circular would result in a difference in pension benefit and contribution level for low paid, part-time HSE workers. This would come in the form of integration of benefits from full to pro rata integrations for the pensions of part-time public servants. The resultant changes would result in an increase in a weekly pension of between €5 and €70, depending on individual circumstances. I am sure the Minister will agree that given the current economic hardships facing pensioners, any increase would make a massive difference to their quality of life. Unfortunately, the retrospective element of this circular has not been fully implemented and backlogs remain in many of the former health board regions.

The former Eastern Health Board region, including Dublin, Western Health Board region and Midland Health Board region have yet to clear their backlogs, with the result that 1,888 pensioners are awaiting changes to increase their pensions. I understand from previous responses to parliamentary questions I have submitted on this matter that processing these changes is a substantial piece of work and resources within the Department are stretched. However, changes for low paid pensioners appear to be constantly placed bottom of the HSE's priority list. This should not be the case as it is grossly unfair.

Low income pensioners are among the most vulnerable in society at this time. Older people must be a priority and I ask that, if necessary, extra resources be made available to clear the backlogs associated with the circular. Having waited for seven years, it is time something was done. Will the Minister provide a guarantee that priority will be given to clearing the backlogs as soon as possible and ensuring low income pensioners receive their entitlements at the earliest possible time?

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