Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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156. To ask the Minister for Health his plan to bring workers in an organisation (details supplied), not currently covered by the standard public service pension scheme, under this scheme; the progress to date, made in discussions in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21871/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I would like to first clarify that employment in a public service body does not determine the type of pension scheme that is available to an individual employee. There are a variety of pension schemes that operate in the public service depending on when and how an individual enters the public service. In general, the majority of public servants are members of various public service ‘pay as you go’ Defined Benefit (DB) schemes which may have different minimum pension age, accrual terms, contribution rates etc. In addition, some employees of Section 38 agencies are members of funded Defined Benefit pension schemes which are administered by scheme trustees while others are members of Defined Contribution (DC) schemes. New entrants to the public service recruited on or after 1 January 2013 are generally members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (SPSPS) and have career average pension benefits.

In relation to the 44 employees of the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) who were members of a funded DB scheme, I am aware that the CRC has made a submission to the HSE which the HSE is currently evaluating. It would not be appropriate for me to comment in advance of receipt of the HSE's recommendation.

I am most concerned about this issue and once a detailed proposal is received by my Department, it will be examined as a matter of urgency.