Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Meath can avail of early retirement on ill health grounds if offered at present without loss of benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17280/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The employee referred to is a member of the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme. Subject to certain conditions early retirement on the ground of ill health is permitted under the scheme rules. A pension and lump sum, calculated in the same way as retirement on age grounds will be paid immediately at retirement provided the member has a minimum of 5 years reckonable service. In addition, where the employee is required to retire on grounds of ill health, a period of notional service may be added. This added service is calculated by reference to the length of actual service and age at retirement. The following table outlines the notional added years available in cases of retirement on grounds of ill health under the scheme rules.

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested in relation to the particular person in question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.