Press statement from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the extension of the FEMPI retirement ‘grace period’ for pensions
10th February 2015 | News
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr Brendan Howlin T.D., today (10 February 2015) secured approval to extend – to June 2016 – the period within which public servants can retire under the terms and conditions which they held prior to the pay reductions under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Act 2013.
Speaking after this morning’s Government meeting, the Minister said:-
“The new expiry date of June 2016 was chosen to minimise impacts on schools in particular, and it also coincides with the expiry of the Haddington Road Agreement.”
Those who are most likely to consider retiring (and availing of this extension) are those aged over 60 years and also those within one or two years of the minimum retirement age, who may opt for an actuarially reduced pension.
The main considerations giving rise to the granting of the extension relate to workforce planning and impact on services. If no extension was to be granted it could prompt the retirement this summer of substantial numbers of staff at senior levels, including office holders, medical and other specialists, as well as those at managerial ranks.
The Minister further stated:-
“Concerns have been raised with me by both public service management and unions regarding the potential impact of the loss of key managerial and specialised staff at a single point in time where many would, in any event, need to be replaced to maintain vital front-line services. Such an exodus of senior staff would also carry with it the short term financial effect of once-off superannuation costs.”
