James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the re-employment of civil service staff who have taken a buy-out in receipt of pensions, which is contrary to fairness and equity, in view of the high unemployment level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41933/12]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The general policy is that staff should not be retained beyond retirement age and any re-engagement should be kept as limited as possible and should be for a very restricted period. Usually, the rehiring of retirees is related to completion of a specific task where their particular skill or experience is required in the short-term. Situations can arise where a particular issue requires a short-term specialist input in order to complete a task. In many instances the most appropriate and cost-effective way of solving a short-term problem is to bring in someone who has worked in the area and understands the background. In the vast majority of cases these re-hires are very short-term and project specific.

In all cases the salary of a retired civil servant rehired by a Department is subject to the pension abatement rules.