Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the cost of lump sums, severance payments and pensions of those leaving the public service through retirement or other grounds; the loss of pension levy and superannuation from employees leaving the public service; the numbers of persons who were paid under Vote 12 - superannuation and retired allowances - in 2011 and his estimate of same for 2012; if he will provide this information in respect of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10417/12]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the location and grade of all public servants within his Department or related agencies who while not having reached the minimum retirement age to avail of cost-neutral early retirement will benefit from the provisions under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009; his plans to continue the service provided by each of the retiring staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10560/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 152 together.

With respect to the cost of lump sums, etc, arising in respect of those leaving the public service from my Department and from bodies within its ambit, the position is as set out in my reply to the Deputy on 14 February last (Question No. 385). I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, is supplying the Deputy with the information being sought relating to Vote 12 – Superannuation and Retired Allowances.

As the Deputy will be aware, 50 is the minimum retirement age required for staff to avail of the Cost Neutral Early Retirement provisions under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009. I am advised that all staff who retired in 2011, or who will retire before 29 February 2012, from my Department or its agencies will have met this requirement. A breakdown of retirements between 1 January and 29 February 2012 in my Department and in relevant bodies within its ambit is set out in the table. Arrangements are being out in place to ensure continuity of service in all cases.