Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2026
215. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will consider introducing a provision in the single public service pension scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27495/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Single Public Service Pension Scheme (‘Single Scheme’) is established under legislation by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
As part of its framework, the Single Scheme integrates survivor’s benefits for spouses and children of a deceased member or pensioner within the scheme itself. Sections 33 and 34 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 outline the procedures to be taken by an employer for the payment of a survivor’s pension, as well as eligibility for same. Sections 35 to 39 of the Act outline the procedures and eligibility for payment of a child’s pension. These are also set out in Circular 11/2017.
The Single Scheme does not feature spouse and children’s benefits as an option or additional add-on. The rules of the Single Scheme with respect to survivor’s benefits are established in law and there are no plans to amend the Scheme in this regard.
