Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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179. To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding employees in the Central Remedial Clinic. [12442/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) is funded by the Health Service Executive under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004 and employs in the region of 287 employees. It is understood that 47 employees are members of the funded pension scheme in question.

Following receipt of information from the CRC in relation to the wind up of the scheme the CRC was requested, as a matter of urgency, to seek a viable alternative proposal in conjunction with the HSE. This proposal will then be submitted for approval to my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The latter is responsible for Government policy in relation to public service pensions. Pension schemes and pension terms for public servants generally require the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

The Health Service Executive is expected to meet with the CRC this week to discuss the current situation and explore options in relation to the employees concerned.

While it has been suggested that the employees concerned could be granted access to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (SPSPS) unfortunately this is not possible based on the rules of the SPSPS which are set out in legislation; the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.