Written answers

Wednesday, 5 December 2007

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Pension Provisions

9:00 pm

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 254: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has met with the central committee of An Garda Síochána Retired Members Association to discuss a number of matters which are of concern to that organisation including pensionability and allowances for pre 1993 and pre 1982 retirees and rights of widows who remarry. [32766/07]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The issues raised by the Deputy have been considered by the Commission on Public Service Pensions. The Commission considered the issue of parity of pensions for members of An Garda Síochána who retired prior to 1993 (who do not receive the unsocial allowance element in their pensions) and for those who retired prior to 1982 (who do not receive rent and other allowance elements in their pensions). The Commission also examined the specific issue of the pensionability of allowances for members of An Garda Síochána and others, as part of its deliberations, but having assessed the arguments, did not recommend any increase in pension for the groups involved.

The Commission on Public Service Pensions also recommended that the provision which requires a spouses' pension to cease on grounds of remarriage or cohabitation should be removed. A management/union Working Group established to examine the feasibility of implementing this and other Spouses and Children's Pension Scheme related Commission recommendations has, I understand, completed its final report which will be submitted to the Minister for Finance.

Having regard to the Commission's findings, I have no plans to initiate a further review on the matter. Officials from my Department and An Garda Síochána meet with the GSRMA on a regular basis at which these and other issues have been clarified.

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