Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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230. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if steps are being taken to resolve issues in the integrated pension system for those who joined the civil service post-1995 (details supplied). [29354/24]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As set out below in detail, an occupational supplementary pension may be payable in circumstances where the Social Insurance benefit payable does not equate to the full rate of State Pension Contributory (SPC) or there is no social insurance benefit payable, subject to an individual meeting certain eligibility criteria.

For all new entrants to the public service on or after 6 April 1995 (the date of introduction of full social insurance for public servants who now pay Class A PRSI) and before 1 January 2013 (the date of introduction of the Single Public Service Pensions Scheme) pension payment comprises of three components:

1. A Public Service Occupational Pension payable by the public service employer;

2. Social Insurance benefit(s) payable, subject to eligibility, by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and;

3. Where the Social Insurance benefit payable does not equate to the full rate of State Pension Contributory (SPC) or there is no social insurance benefit payable, an occupational supplementary pension may be payable, by the public service employer, subject to an individual meeting eligibility criteria.

The occupational supplementary pension is not paid automatically; the public service pensioner must apply for an occupational supplementary pension. The public service pensioner must have reached minimum pension age in accordance with their pension scheme rules and be in receipt of their occupational pension. In addition, the grant of an occupational supplementary pension is conditional upon a number criteria as follows:

1. The individual must not be engaged in full time paid employment;

2. The individual must not qualify for social insurance benefit or fail to qualify for such benefit at the maximum rate; and

3. The failure to qualify for a social insurance benefit must be due to causes outside his or her control.

The second condition is important to ensure no duplication of payments from public funds. To verify this condition, prior to payment of the occupational supplementary pension, a retired public servant must engage with the Department of Social Protection and obtain proof that they have exhausted any relevant benefits for which they may be eligible under the social insurance system.