Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 673: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the local government employees spouse and children's contribution scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34338/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Provision for spouses' and children's pensions is provided for in Part III of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998. Chapters 5 and 6 of Part III of the 1998 Scheme cover the revised spouses' and children's pension arrangements which were introduced with effect from 1 September 1984.

Membership of the spouses' and children's pension scheme is compulsory for all employees becoming pensionable on or after 1 January 1986. The scheme is contributory and all members are obliged to contribute at the rate of 1.5% of their pay or net pay, depending on the category of employee concerned, throughout their membership. Additional contributions may fall to be deducted from an employee's retirement lump sum or death gratuity to cover service not already paid for. There is no provision whereby a member may withdraw from membership. The scheme contains a definition of "child" and any person coming within the terms of this definition is entitled to a children's pension. A member's children, together with any children adopted by him or her or any step-children of his or hers are covered for benefit.

The Local Government Scheme is in line with all other public sector spouses' and children's pension schemes in terms of the benefits and conditions outlined above.