Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In respect of members of pre-existing public service pension schemes, supplementary pensions can be paid only to certain retiree categories and, even then, their payment is subject to strict terms and conditions. In essence, a supplementary pension in a pre-existing scheme is an additional amount of pension that may be paid to a person whose occupational pension is integrated or co-ordinated with the contributory State pension. It can be paid only where the occupational pension, combined with any relevant social welfare benefit to which the person is entitled, is less than the pension the person would receive if the occupational pension were calculated on a non-co-ordinated basis.

If a public service pensioner who would otherwise qualify for a supplementary pension has taken up employment, no supplementary pension is paid. Many public service pensioners with mandated early retirement, such as former members of the Garda and military personnel, go on to take up further employment. I am aware that the Minister of State, Deputy Paul Kehoe, wants to raise with me the point made by Deputy Lisa Chambers. In my contacts with him, I am sure he will raise the matter with me. My experience is that pension schemes are exceptionally complex and any changes thereto have all kinds of consequences that require consideration. I have noted the Deputy's views on the matter.

See this speech in context