Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the fact that outgoing Senators will receive lump sum pension payments in excess of €100,000 and €200,000; and the action he will take on the matter. [14240/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I understand the Deputy is referring to Members of the previous Seanad and their entitlements on leaving office. These are set out in the following table:

If an officeholder for 2 years, a Senator would also be entitled to a pension in respect of that service, amounting to 20% of the officeholder's salary for 2 years service, 40% for 6 years, and 60% for 10 years.

Under current scheme rules, Members of the Oireachtas elected before 1 April 2004 who qualify for pension are eligible to receive the pension from age 50 on leaving office. Those elected from that date are deemed to be "new entrants" under the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 and have a minimum pension age of 65.

The Government is reviewing how the programme for Government in regard to the pension benefits of Oireachtas Members will be implemented.