Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Finance if the public service pension levy is being collected in a way that the liability is evenly spread over the full year to allow families plan their finances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13306/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The public service pension-related deduction is being collected on a "week-1" basis. This is the same way in which PRSI has been collected for many years. It is also used for collection of the Income Levy. I am satisfied that, for most affected public servants, the payroll impact is, or will shortly be, averaged across individual payments. In other words the same amount broadly would be deducted from each payment. This is in line with section 3(2)(a) of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009.

It should however be noted that payroll practice may differ across the constituent parts of the public service. In addition, the circumstances of individual public servants, especially in cases where earnings are subject to fluctuation or contract duration changes, may of necessity mean that a uniform deduction from each payroll payment is made more difficult. There will be provision for adjustments if required during a financial year. In conclusion, I can assure the Deputy that, to the greatest extent possible, my Department is aiming to ensure an even spread of deductions across the year.