Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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127. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an explanation of the workings of cost-neutral retirement pension schemes for nurses; if persons, who took such an option, have the option to seek a review of their pension entitlements, or if they can alter their entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17932/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In 2005, the Minister for Finance introduced cost neutral early retirement (CNER) for the public service. Subject to eligibility, the scheme was made available to eligible public servants aged 50/55 years or over (subject to preserved pension age). This facility allows public servants to retire with immediate payment of pension benefits subject to an actuarial reduction to take account of the longer period over which the pension would be paid.

There is no specific CNER scheme for Nurses. Should a retiree (either CNER or otherwise) have a query regarding their pension entitlements or calculations they should contact the Pension Unit of their former employer in the first instance.

I have asked the HSE to forward the relevant CNER Circulars to the Deputy for his information.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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128. To ask the Minister for Health if a nurse, who retired early due to difficulties in the workplace in 2014, but did not disclose this at the time of retirement, has the option of having their pension circumstances reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17933/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.