Dáil Éireann - Volume 495 - 20 October, 1998

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Mr. McGuinness Mr. McGuinness

260. Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reasons retained fire fighters are not entitled to pensions; and the plans, if any, there are to change this situation. [20087/98]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey) Noel Dempsey

895

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey): Officers and employees of local authorities who are employed in a whole-time capacity are eligible to become members of the local government superannuation scheme. Retained fire fighters are not whole-time and are not therefore eligible to join the scheme. However, there is a gratuity scheme which provides, subject to certain conditions, for the payment to a retained fire fighter on retirement of [895] up to three times the inclusive annual retainer, depending on the length of service.

Having regard to the nature of employment of retained fire fighters, I consider that the retirement gratuity is the best option as regards compensation for service given in the retained fire service and I have no plans to change the scheme.

Dáil Éireann 495 Written Answers. Pension Provisions.

Questions

19981020