Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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122. To ask the Minister for Defence if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can draw down their gratuity payment prior to reaching the age of 66 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27444/14]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to a former civilian employee of this Department. The person in question is entitled to pension benefits in due course under the Non-Contributory Pension Scheme for Non-Established State Employees. Under the terms of this Pension Scheme, the person in question will be due a preserved pension and gratuity payment on their 65th birthday, provided that any service with this Department has not been transferred for pension purposes to any subsequent employment within the public sector. Payment of preserved pension benefits in advance of an individual’s 65th birthday may only occur in the event of ill-health arising. Any such application is subject to the advice of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer for the Civil Service and the approval of the Minster for Public Expenditure and Reform.