Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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174. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will submit a business case to the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to allow former members of the Defence Forces (with less than 21 years’ service prior to the enactment of the single pension scheme, and with greater than 26 weeks break in service) who subsequently take a position within the public service/civil service post 1 January 2013, to have their pension contributions transferred to the single pension scheme in their new position as they are not entitled to a defined benefit unlike other civil servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62341/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Occupational pension (superannuation) terms for members of the PDF are provided under the Defence Forces Pensions Schemes, relevant circulars and legislation, and under public service pension policy.

The specific terms that apply to any individual depend primarily on the date a person joins the PDF and on whether that person is joining the Public Service for the first time. Their entitlements also depend 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 the pension terms which apply are:

• before 1 April 2004 [the DF Pre-2004 Pension Scheme],
• after 1 April 2004 but before 1 January 2013 [the DF Post-2004 Pension Scheme],
• after 1 January 2013 [the Single Pension Scheme]

It is important to note that the DF Pre-2004 Scheme is a non-contributory scheme, as such members do not pay explicit main scheme contributions.

There is no facility to transfer benefits accrued in pre-existing public service pension schemes into the Single Scheme. This is the case for all public servants who are members of that Scheme. However there is provision to purchase additional benefits under the Single Scheme.

Where an individual holds a pension entitlement under both a pre-existing public service pension scheme and the Single Scheme, this will give rise to separate benefits payable in accordance with the terms of the scheme(s) concerned. In the case outlined in question, the person would not have an entitlement to a pension but would have entitlement to a short service gratuity. This is payable at flat rates that depend on retiring rank and qualifying service.

Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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175. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures in place to support the physical and mental health outcomes of veterans of the Defence Forces. [62446/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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At the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that I recognise the outstanding contribution made to the State by our ex-service personnel. In this regard, my Department provides support to two recognised Veterans Associations which represent all former personnel, namely the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE).

My officials and I meet regularly with these recognised Veterans Associations to discuss matters of concern to their members. My Department has also entered into Service Level Agreements with IUNVA and ONE, under which an annual grant is paid to both organisations in order to assist with their administrative overheads. IUNVA is paid €40,000 per year and ONE is paid €173,000. These grants were increased substantially in 2022 and have been increased again in 2025.

As a further means of assistance, since 2021 my Department has secured funding of €1,100,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund to assist ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects.

With the support of government funding, both ONE and IUNVA provide assistance for veterans and their families, with ONE, in particular, offering counselling and other services. They also provide information on pensions, social welfare benefits and other entitlements.

In addition to the supports highlighted to the recognised Veterans Associations, the Defence Forces Personal Support Service also provides limited support to retired members of the Defence Forces on a case-by-case basis, as well as assisting IUNVA and ONE in their work providing advice and support to veterans. Furthermore, as with other members of society, former members of the Permanent Defence Force who experience difficulties have access to the range of supports available to all citizens under the Health Acts.

You may also wish to note that the Office of Veteran Affairs has recently been formally established. This Office, which was a recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces and a commitment in the current Programme for Government, will play a key role in coordinating matters relating to Defence Forces’ veterans. It will be based within the Department of Defence and will work across Government to ensure that Veterans receive the support and benefits to which they are entitled.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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176. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will address the genuine concerns regarding RDF treatment issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62534/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I regret that it is not possible to provide a response to the Deputy within the timeframe available. I will respond to the Deputy when the matter has been examined.