Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
418. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No’s 412 and 413 of 4 February 2026, the overall number of applications for abatement; the circumstances in which abatement waivers were granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14471/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe abatement of public service pensions is provided for in Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 – the "Single Scheme Act", however the principle of abatement is longstanding and dates back to the Superannuation Act, 1834. In the context of public service pensions, abatement is the suspension or reduction in an individual’s public service pension(s) where that individual is re-employed in the public service. It is the pension which is abated and not the remuneration in the new employment.
Abatement policy is a key component of public service pension policy and addresses valid concerns about simultaneous payment of both pension and salary in the public service. It should be noted that it is the pension which is abated and not the salary in the new position.
Section 52(4) of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012, ("the 2012 Act") provides for discretion by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to grant a waiver in any particular case, including a case involving a class of person or persons, if the Minister is satisfied that –
a. persons with particular training and experience are required for particular work in the public service body concerned,
b. the public service pensioner has that training and experience, is being employed for that work and is otherwise suitable for employment in all respects, and
c. it is not practicable to meet that requirement otherwise than by the employment of the pensioner.
It is my understanding that the first half of the Deputy's question refers to the number of applications for waivers of abatement received by my Department. Since the commencement of Section 52 of the 2012 Act, this Department has received 31 complete waiver applications in respect of individuals.
Each waiver application is assessed on its merits. Waivers are granted in circumstances where all 3 of the criteria set out in Section 52(4) of the 2012 Act are met.
