Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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524. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if the 22 years spent working in the public sector by a person (details supplied) can be weighted to pension entitlement following commencement of employment with a new State agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19306/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I understand the question may refer to the insertion of Section 59H in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2013 which gives trustees the power to amend the scheme rules in certain circumstances in order to deal with issues around integration of occupational pensions with the State pension and bridging pensions.

My Department has no involvement in the matter enquired of by the Minister. However, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has advised that in April 2016 it issued Circular 15 of 2016 which provides guidance on the application of the relevant subsections of the 2013 Act.

The inquiry posed by the Minister could only be answered by the individual’s current employer following consideration of the contents of that circular together with more comprehensive employment detail than provided in the question. Accordingly, the individual concerned should consult directly with his employer to progress the matter further.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Minister. If you require any further assistance with this query please do not hesitate to contact my office.