Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
517. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his plans to review the fast accrual (uniformed) single public service pension scheme for members recruited post-2013 in An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, Fire Service and Prison Service. [11917/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Single Scheme is a statutory Public Service Career-Average Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. It was established under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
The provisions of the Single Scheme are clearly set out in law. All new-entrant public servants hired after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Scheme. This includes for uniformed members in An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, full-time Firefighters and Prison Officers.
The introduction of the Single Scheme is central to ensuring the long-term sustainability of public service pensions, particularly in the context of improved life expectancy and rising public service employee numbers. Any amendment to the benefits payable under the Scheme would undermine the cost savings it delivers. Despite the broader trend in the private sector towards closing defined benefit schemes, the Single Scheme remains a defined benefit pension arrangement, albeit based on career-average remuneration.
Uniformed members - Firefighters, Prison Officers, Gardaí and the Defence Forces - have enhanced benefits that other Single Scheme members do not have. These members accrue benefits at a faster rate due to their earlier Mandatory Retirement Age.
In 2024, in recognition of individuals seeking to work longer, Government enacted legislation to permit Uniformed staff to remain in service until age 62, should they wish. This move allows members to build-up a higher pension than previously, increasing the final value of their Single Scheme pension. On retirement, subject to having reached their Normal Retirement Age, members receive their Single Scheme pension and lump sum immediately. The issue of mandatory retirement ages for the Defence Forces, Gardaí, Prison Service and Firefighters is firstly a matter for the relevant line Departments.
There are no plans at this time to review the Single Scheme, including the Fast Accrual elements.
