Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I remain strongly of the view that research staff in all higher education institutions across the sector should be able to access a public service pension scheme.

As outlined in previous responses, my officials have submitted a business case to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan and Reform to support access to the single public service pension scheme for those researchers who are not currently able to join the scheme. The business case remains under review, and DFHERIS will only be able to progress this matter further once a response is received.

The Deputy may wish to note that my officials agreed with staff and management representatives to refer this matter to the national Public Sector Agreement Group established under Building Momentum prior to the expiration of that agreement. In the event that the proposed new Public Service Agreement is ratified by trade unions, it would be the intention to refer this issue to the new Joint Implementation Committee for their consideration.