Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 100: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the situation whereby retired nurses who paid into pensions, with their own money are having their pensions abated, and the funds put aside for their retirement are being taken from them as a penalty for providing the health services with their nursing skills; the measures she is taking to address the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31060/05]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding retired nurses having sums deducted from their pension after working to provide locum cover; the action she will take to stop these deductions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31061/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Pensions (Abatement) Act 1965 provides for the suspension or reduction of an allowance or pension where, after retirement, a scheme pensioner is employed in an agency or organisation in which the superannuation scheme paying the pension applies. The application of abatement provisions is set out in section 113 of the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Scheme, Article 19 of the Nominated Health Agencies Superannuation Scheme and Article 30 of the Voluntary Hospitals Superannuation Scheme.

Remuneration plus pension for the specified period of employment should not exceed the up-rated remuneration for the post from which the pensioner retired.

My Department has recently reviewed the provisions relating to the application of abatement to public health service pensions. Employers have now been advised of alterations to the application of these provisions. I will forward a copy of the relevant circular to the Deputy under separate cover.