Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The occupational pension (superannuation) entitlement of members of the Defence Forces (DF) depends on the date the person joins the DF, and also on their specific circumstances and on many variables including rank, pensionable service and pensionable remuneration.

The main dates of joining that dictate a difference in what pension terms apply are:

• before 1 April 2004, (DF Pre-2004 Scheme)
• after 1 April 2004 but before 1 January 2013, (DF Post-2004 Scheme)
• after 1 January 2013 (Single Scheme)

From the details provided by the Deputy, my understanding is that the person in question had been a member of the DF Pre-2004 Scheme, and is now a member of the Single Scheme in their current employment.

The DF Pre-2004 Scheme is a fast accrual scheme. Under the rules of this Scheme, there is a minimum service required for entitlement to a retirement pension and gratuity. Where a person leaves before such minimum service has been attained, they do not have an entitlement to a retirement pension. Other benefits may, however, be payable in specific circumstances, subject to certain conditions, such as short service gratuities, or pensions in cases of medical discharge.

Responsibility for the Single Scheme rests with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and I note that the Deputy also raised this matter recently with him (Parliamentary Question 5669/25 on 18 February 2025 refers).

As outlined in the reply to that Parliamentary Question, no facility exists to transfer service accrued in pre-existing public service pension schemes into the Single Scheme, nor can benefits accrued or contributions paid in pre-existing schemes be recognised in the Single Scheme.

I can confirm there is also no provision under the rules of the pre-existing Defence Forces Superannuation Schemes (DF Pre-2004 and DF Post-2004 Schemes) to transfer service accrued under those schemes to the Single Scheme.