Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 157: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if it is proposed to rectify the situation whereby public servants who have full qualifying pensionable service continue to contribute to the superannuation fund at the full rate with no consequent ensuing benefit and are also required to contribute to the widows and orphans pensions scheme by way of lump sum payment deducted from the retirement gratuity payable under the Superannuation Acts. [10317/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 158: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if an anomaly (details supplied) will be corrected in the Green Paper which is under discussion at present; and if he will ensure that this matter will be included in any White Paper produced following such discussions. [10358/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.

The Government published its Green Paper on pensions in October last year. It sets out the background to the demographic and sustainability challenges facing pensions in Ireland; the wide and complex range of issues involved; and the options that we might consider for future pensions development. The Green Paper consultation process currently underway provides an opportunity to consider the wide span of the issues involved in detail and aspects relating to public service pensions will be considered in that context. The Government will respond to the consultation process, which concludes at the end of May this year, by developing a framework for longer term pensions policy.