Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if employees who, subject to the existing legislation, are currently subject to the pension levy and who pay pension contributions have an option of withdrawing from the relevant pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11353/13]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Pensions Act 1990, as amended, provides that pensions are vested after two years' pensionable service. This applies for all pension scheme members, whether in the public or private sector. Those who leave service prior to completion of the vesting period receive a refund of contributions. The Report of the Commission on Public Service Pensions considered the issue some years ago and recommended retention of compulsory enrolment for public service pensions. The Government accepted that recommendation and considers the current arrangements to be the most satisfactory way of providing for occupational pension coverage in the public service.