Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2026
420. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total number of serving Ministers and Ministers of State whose pension contributions were identified by the National Shared Services Office as having been under-deducted following Government formation in January 2025. [8202/26]
View answer421. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the aggregate monetary value of pension under-deductions identified by the National Shared Services Office in respect of serving Ministers and Ministers of State following Government formation in January 2025; the aggregate amount repaid to date; and the aggregate balance outstanding, noting that no individual or personal data is sought. [8203/26]
View answer422. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the repayment timelines and recovery arrangements approved by the National Shared Services Office for serving Ministers and Ministers of State in respect of pension under-deductions identified in early 2025 are equivalent to those applied elsewhere across the public service for pension under-deductions; and if not, the policy authority and rationale for any difference. [8204/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 420, 421 and 422 together.
I propose to answer questions PQ 8202/26 – 8204/26 together.
The NSSO is a processor for HR, payroll, pension, and finance shared services for public and civil servants on behalf of 54 Client Public Service Bodies.
I have been informed by the National Shared Services Office that, in respect of serving Ministers and Ministers of State, the majority are now in a payment plan or have paid in full.
As standard in these cases, the NSSO and/or the employer works with the individual to resolve the under-deduction. Where there is an under-deduction of pension contribution, the NSSO applies a standard and consistent practice to all individuals and employees with regard to repayment plans.
The NSSO is fully committed to ensuring that all monies owed to the State are fully recouped and will continue to follow-up with impacted individuals to finalise payment plans.
A total amount of €167,649.42 relates to serving ministers and ministers of state with 32 current Ministers and Ministers of State impacted (some of whom were owed refunds).
All corrective actions have now been put in place to ensure these matters will not re-occur in the future and all current Ministers on NSSO systems are on the appropriate pension schemes and associated ASC rate since June 2025.
