Written answers

Wednesday, 17 April 2013

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Pension Provisions

Photo of Andrew DoyleAndrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will clarify the possible legal deficit which exists regarding superannuation regulations whereby there is now a requirement for an individual/public servant with maximum qualifying service to pay for additional pension years, which cannot be purchased; if he is considering changing the rules to reflect this omission in the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17924/13]

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to section 52, subsections (6) and (7) of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012, which imposes a 40-year limit on the total service which can be counted towards pension where a person has been a member of more than one public service pension scheme. This measure, which came into effect on 28 July 2012 , applies to ‘pre-existing’ public service pension schemes. Persons exceeding the limit on 28 July 2012 do not lose any service accrued up to that point.

The Deputy may be aware that such a limit already applies to service in any one scheme and, consistent with the practice in such cases, contributions continue to be paid beyond the 40 year point. In this regard I would point out that, in final salary schemes, pensions on retirement reflect changes in pay (e.g. increments or changes in grade, etc) occurring after the 40 year limit. Similarly, any increase in pay occurring after the 40 year limit would enhance the value of the superannuation lump sum.

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