Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the pension related deduction for public servants is being deducted from firemen's pay in view of the fact that these firemen are only employed on a part-time non-pensionable basis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10762/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 states that any public servant who is a member of a public service pension scheme, is entitled to a benefit under such a scheme, or receives a payment in lieu of membership in such a scheme, is subject to a deduction from their remuneration.

In 2008, retained firefighters were given the option of joining the Local Government Superannuation Scheme (LGSS). Retained firefighters who opted not to join the scheme receive, on retirement, a gratuity of 1/8th of the annual retainer multiplied by the number of years of actual service (up to a maximum of four times the annual retainer). This is a payment in lieu of membership of a pension scheme, and as such retained firefighters are subject to the deduction outlined in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009.