Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
36. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to give an update on overpayments made by the NSSO to former Government ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40660/26]
View answerThe National Shared Services Office (NSSO), a body under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) provides HR, Pension, Payroll and Finance shared services to Government Departments and Offices.
As part of its remit, it transacts HR, payroll, pension, and finance administration for public and civil servants on behalf of 54 Client Public Service Bodies (PSB).
In relation to Pension and Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) contributions for Ministers, Ministers of State, former Ministers and Office holders, a review into the application of the relevant Pension Schemes and Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) rates was carried out by the NSSO.
The review identified 82 individuals whereby there was an under-deduction or over-deduction of Pension and/or ASC.
The NSSO has reached agreement with all current Ministers and Ministers of State in relation to payment of pension/ASC contributions due. Agreement has also been reached with the majority of former Ministers and other office holders impacted by the review.
The NSSO is fully committed to ensuring that all monies owed to the State are fully recouped, with 83% of the monies owed now paid or in an agreed recoupment plan.
There are a small number of outstanding cases, where those impacted have yet to commit to a recoupment plan. Engagement is ongoing, with the latest correspondence issued from the NSSO this month.
These matters related to Pension and ASC contributions and in cases such as these the NSSO adopts a consistent process of engagement to recover monies owed. These matters are complex and the NSSO work with each individual to address the error identified.
Lastly, an independent, external audit of the NSSO retirement and pension processes is being overseen by the Chair of the Advisory Board of the NSSO, which is nearing completion.
