Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 214: To ask the Minister for Finance the details of TDs and Minister's salary structures; the percentage increase of the recent raise in salaries; the arrangements in relation to payments made to TDs that lose their seat; when this measure was introduced; the rate of increase in this payment since its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41091/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The table shows the salary rates payable from 1 June 2006 and the salary rates applicable following implementation of the first phase of the agreement Towards 2016 i.e. 3% from 1 December 2006. Please note that the Minister and Minister for State receive the TD's basic salary in addition to their ministerial salary.

The following arrangements for TDs who lose their seat came into operation on 1 November 1992 for members of the New Pensions Scheme for members of the Oireachtas which was introduced at that time (termination payments are not payable to members of the Old Pensions Scheme.

Prior to receiving his or her pension entitlements, each former member who is a member of the New Pensions Scheme receives a Termination Lump Sum and a series of Termination Payments. To qualify for these he or she:

Must have at least six months continuous service as a Member of the Houses of the Oireachtas; and

Must not become a member of the following Oireachtas or immediately become an MEP or be appointed by the Government to a full-time position.

Where the above conditions are satisfied, a Termination Lump Sum is payable. This is equivalent to 2 months' salary, including salary allowances. In addition to a Termination Lump Sum, a maximum of 12 monthly Termination Payments are payable. The payments are based on the current rate of the relevant salary. A person must have at least 3 years continuous service to qualify for these. The number and rate of payments is conditional on the number of years' continuous service (see Table 1 below for details). Additional salary allowances are reckonable and a person may elect to move to pension at any time if it is more beneficial to do so. Termination payments are expressed as a percentage of current salary. Accordingly, they have increased in line with salary increases since their introduction.