Pension Provisions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026

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Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Questions (103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

103. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 420 to 422 of 4 February 2026, the aggregate amount of pension contribution under-deductions relating to serving Ministers and Ministers of State that remains outstanding as of 31 January 2026; the aggregate amount repaid to date; and the number of cases in which any balance remains unpaid, noting that no individual or personal data is sought. [10712/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

104. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the longest repayment period approved by the National Shared Services Office in respect of pension contribution under-deductions affecting serving Ministers and Ministers of State identified following Government formation in January 2025; and the standard maximum repayment period applied elsewhere across the public service for comparable pension under-deduction cases. [10713/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

105. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether interest, surcharges, or other financial adjustments apply to pension contribution under-deductions recovered from serving Ministers and Ministers of State; whether the same financial conditions apply to other public servants in under-deduction cases; and if there is any difference, the policy authority under which that difference arises. [10714/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

106. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether any repayment arrangements approved for serving Ministers or Ministers of State in respect of pension contribution under-deductions identified in early 2025 extend beyond the individual's current term of office; and if so, the number of such arrangements, stated on an aggregate basis. [10715/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

107. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the date on which the pension contribution under-deduction issue affecting Ministers and Ministers of State was first identified by the National Shared Services Office; the date on which affected officeholders were notified; and the date on which corrective payroll measures were fully implemented. [10716/26]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

108. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether his Department has reviewed or audited the operation of payroll and pension contribution controls within the National Shared Services Office following the identification of pension under-deductions affecting serving Ministers and Ministers of State; and if so, the findings and recommendations, stated in summary form. [10717/26]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

I propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 104, 105, 106, 107 and 108 together.

I propose to answer questions PQ 10712/26 to 10717/26 together.

The NSSO processes Ministerial allowances to Ministers/Ministers of State on behalf of their respective Departments.

Issues were identified by the NSSO following Government formation.

It became clear that some individuals had been placed on an incorrect pension scheme, incorrect ASC rate and/or not deducted ASC, giving rise to under/over pension deductions.

The NSSO commenced a review to clarify the matters which were distinct and complex. As part of this review, the NSSO carried out a comprehensive assessment of its processes and worked with its Client Departments and with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.

As is standard in cases such as these, the NSSO resolves the under-deduction through a process of engagement on a case-by-case basis. Where there is an under-deduction of pension contribution, the NSSO applies a standard and consistent practice to all individuals and civil and public service employees with regard to repayment plans.

All current Ministers/Ministers of State were contacted on the 10 June 2025 and were placed on the appropriate pension schemes and associated ASC rate on NSSO systems that same week. The NSSO has reached agreement with all current Ministers and Ministers of State re. repayment.

First contact was made with former Ministers on September 25, following the completion of the review into this cohort. There has been ongoing engagement to address any queries. The NSSO has reached agreement with the majority of former Ministers/Ministers of State.

To provide any further breakdown would raise matters of privacy and confidentiality as they relate to personal pension information. This would have implications with respect to GDPR and the Data Protection Act, 2018.

The NSSO has been established by the NSSO Act 2017 and is independent in the performance of its functions. There is an independent audit of the NSSO’s pension and salary processes underway, which is expected to be completed in the first half of this year. This is being overseen by the Chair of the Advisory Board of the NSSO.

Question No. 104 answered with Question No. 103.

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