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22 December 2005 Circular 23/2005
Public Service Pension Reform Revised arrangements for part-time
public health service employees
A Chara, Introduction 1. I am directed by the Tanaiste and
Minister for Health and Children to enclose
herewith for information a copy of Department of Finance
circular 20/2005 which was forwarded to Government Departments in
connection with the introduction of a change in the way in which
the service and remuneration of part-time1 public servants are to
be reckoned for pension calculation purposes. Within the public
health sector the Schemes covered by this circular include;
The Local Government Superannuation Scheme (LGSS) The Nominated
Health Agencies Superannuation Scheme (NHASS) The Voluntary
Hospitals Superannuation Scheme (VHSS) HSE model superannuation
scheme.
Provisions for amendments to the superannuation schemes of
agencies operating under the aegis the Department of Health &
Children will be determined with reference to Department of Finance
circular 20/2005 and in accordance with provisions for the
amendment of each agencys superannuation scheme rules. Where
different arrangements apply for differing Schemes the effect of
this circular is indicated for each Scheme. Employees joining under
the provisions of this circular become members of the relevant
scheme available in their employment. Section 23 of the Health Act
2004 provides for the making of a superannuation scheme(s) by the
HSE in respect of such employees (including the Chief Executive
Officer) of the Executive as it may think fit. The HSE is currently
in the process of drafting a model superannuation scheme for all
employees who do not have access to the LGSS (these include
part-time employees who joined under circular 64/2002 and all staff
recruited since the establishment of the HSE under the Health Act
2004). For employees of the HSE and other corporate bodies to which
the LGSS formerly applied membership to the new scheme will be
provided on an administrative basis. The Department of Finance has
asked that the circular be brought to the attention of all
employees and public service bodies under the aegis of
Departments.
1 For the purposes of this Circular, the term 'part-time'
includes jobsharing and worksharing arrangements.
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2. The change will result in a difference in contribution levels
and pension benefits
for part-time public servants whose pensions are integrated with
social welfare benefits (i.e. where the occupational pension is
integrated with the Old Age Contributory Pension (OACP)2 to provide
a combined pension). The effect of the change on the Schemes will
be that all eligible3 part-time employees who retire on or after 20
December 2001 will have their occupational pensions calculated on
the basis of pro-rata service (i.e. actual pensionable service
expressed as a proportion of full-time service) and a notional
full-time pensionable remuneration. There will be a corresponding
change in the method of calculating contributions where relevant.
In addition, former eligible part-time employees who retired before
20 December 2001 will have their pension position (i.e. benefits
and contributions) reviewed with effect from 20 December 2001 (or
the date of their appointment, if later). It should be noted that
the application of the principle of pro-rata service does not have
any implications for the vesting period; which remains as the
actual period served, not its full-time equivalent. For example, a
part-time employee with a whole-time equivalent comparator4 who
serves for 2.5000 years and works 40% of comparable whole-time
equivalent hours, will qualify for a pension/preserved pension;
however, the pension will be calculated by reference to 1.000 years
service (2.5000 years x 40%).
3. The Department of Finance circular allows Departments
discretion to apply
different thresholds in relation to access to public service
pension schemes (other than the Civil Service Schemes) and on other
issues. The purpose of this Department's circular is to set out how
the discretions are to be applied in relation to the relevant
schemes. Therefore the Department of Finance circular must be read
in conjunction with this circular. Employee representatives have
been consulted on this circular.
4. This circular is divided into four parts as follows:
Part A - Pro-Rata Integration (page 3) Part B - Access to the
Schemes (page 6) Part C - Reckoning of Prior Part-Time Service
under the Schemes (page 12) Part D - General Issues (page 14)
2 OACP is the Old Aged Contributory Pension paid by the
Department of Social and Family Affairs. With effect from 07
January 2005 the weekly rate for a
single adult with no dependants is 179.30 per week and 9,356 per
annum. Twice the OACP is 358.60 per week and 18,712 per annum.
3 In line with paragraphs 5 to 8 of this circular.
4 A whole-time comparator is the comparable full-time equivalent
for the post.
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Part A: Pro-Rata Integration Eligibility for pro rata
integration (see paragraph 10 for explanation) 5. To be eligible
for the application of pro rata integration a person must:-
(i) be serving in a public service body as defined in the
Public
Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (the
definition includes public health sector employers),
(ii) be a member of the superannuation scheme of that body and
that
scheme is a public service pension scheme (access to the schemes
by part-time employees is dealt with in Part B of this
circular),
(iii) have an appropriate whole-time equivalent comparator
and,
(iv) have paid or undertaken to pay all relevant
contributions5.
6. In relation to (iii) above, the Pension Policy Unit of this
Department should be
consulted (see paragraph 47) where employees do not have an
appropriate whole-time equivalent comparator. The Pensions Section
of the Department of Finance will then be consulted by this
Department.
7. Where there is no suitable comparator available, the pension
is based on actual
pensionable remuneration6 and on treating each year of part-time
service as a year of service for pension purposes. Also, full, as
opposed to pro-rata, integration will apply.
8. Former part-time employees, who had retired before this
circular issued, met the
eligibility criteria outline in paragraph 5 above at the time of
their retirement and whose pensions were subject to integration,
will have their pension position (i.e. contributions and benefits)
reviewed with effect from 20 December 2001 (or the date of their
appointment, if later).
Application of pro-rata integration 9. Under current public
service pension arrangements for part-time employees,
pension benefits are based on actual pensionable remuneration
and on treating each year of part-time service as a full year of
service for pension purposes7. Contributions are based on actual
pensionable earnings8.
10. Under the revised arrangements introduced by this circular,
pension benefits will
be based on notional whole-time equivalent pensionable
remuneration and actual service (expressed as a proportion of
whole-time equivalent attendance). Contributions will be based on
notional whole-time equivalent pensionable earnings and the
worksharing / part-time attendance pattern expressed
5 See paragraphs 26(a), 32(a)(iii) and 32(b)(iii) for
details.
6 Pensionable remuneration is the final salary / wages plus the
average of three years pensionable allowances.
7 With the exception of ' job-sharers' who are currently subject
to pro-rata arrangements
8 Contributions are based on pensionable earnings; salary /
wages plus current pensionable allowances.
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as a proportion of whole-time equivalent attendance. Integration
with social welfare benefits, where applicable, will then take
place on the same basis as for whole-time equivalent employees.
11. In the case of retired part-time employees who qualify under
paragraph 8 above,
the pensionable remuneration and the OACP rate applicable at the
time of retirement should be used to recalculate the occupational
pension which would have been due had pro rata integration applied
at the time. The resulting pension amount should then be uprated in
the normal way and any increase in benefit paid with effect from 20
December 2001 (or the date of their retirement, if later).
12. The following examples show the effect (or otherwise) of the
revised
arrangements on pension benefits for a public health sector
employee (e.g. Senior Staff Nurse) working a two-day week (i.e. 40%
of whole-time equivalent ) for 40 years, with a final annual
pensionable remuneration of 17,022 (position before the application
of the revised integration formula see paragraph 18):
Example A Benefits not integrated with Social Welfare benefits
(i.e. Class D PRSI). Current method Revised method Service 40.0000
years 16.0000 years Pensionable Remuneration 17,022 42,556
Occupational Pension 8,511 8,511 Outcome: No change
Example B Benefits integrated with Social Welfare (i.e. Class A
PRSI). Current method Revised method Service 40.0000 years 16.0000
years Pensionable Remuneration 17,022 42,556 Less twice OACP 18,712
18,712 Net Pensionable Remuneration 0.00 23,844 Occupational
Pension 0.00 4,768.80 Outcome: Increase of 4,768.80 (91.39 per
week) In example B, the person may, depending on their social
welfare contribution history, also be entitled to an Old Age
Contributory Pension.
13. The following examples show the effect (or otherwise) of the
revised
arrangements on pension contributions for a public sector
employee (e.g. Senior Staff Nurse) who is working a two-day week
(i.e. 40% of whole-time equivalent ), with an annual pensionable
remuneration of 17,0229
9 Integration would normally be applied on a regular basis i.e.
based on the pensionable earnings payment frequency, therefore the
pensionable earnings and
OACP rates would generally vary over a full year period.
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Example A Benefits not integrated with Social Welfare benefits
(i.e. Class D PRSI). Current method Revised method Pensionable
Remuneration (A) 17,022 42,556 Contributions: (per annum) Pension
(3.5% of A) 595.78 1,489 x 40% = 595.78 Lump Sum (1.5% of A) 255.33
638 x 40% = 255.33 Spouses & Childrens (1.5% of A) 255.33 638 x
40% = 255.33 Total 1,106.44 1,106.44 Outcome: No Change
Example B Benefits integrated with Social Welfare benefits (i.e.
Class A PRSI). Current method Revised method Pensionable
Remuneration (A) 17,022 42,556 Less twice OACP 18,712 18,712 Net
Pensionable Remuneration (B) 0.00 23,844 Contributions:
(i) For public health sector employees whose pensions were
integrated before
06 April 1995 (i.e. all non-officers who pay Class A PRSI see
paragraph 14):
Pension (3.5% of B) 0.00 834.55 x 40% = 333.82 Lump Sum (1.5% of
A) 255.00 638.34 x 40% = 255.34 Spouses & Childrens (1.5% of
B)10 0.00 357.66 x 40% = 143.06 Total 255.00 733.22 Outcome:
Increase of 477.22 (9.16 per week)
(ii) For public health sector employees whose pensions were
integrated with effect from 06 April 1995 (i.e. Class A PRSI
officers appointed on or after 06 April 1995 see paragraph 14):
Pension (3.5% of B) 0.00 834.55 x 40% = 333.82 Lump Sum (1.5% of
A) 255.00 638.34 x 40% = 255.34 Spouses and Childrens (1.5% of A)
255.00 638.34 x 40% = 255.34 Total 510.00 844.50 Outcome: Increase
of 334.50 (6.41 per week)
It should be noted that there will be no change in the
contributions of serving jobsharers / worksharers where the pro
rata method is already being used, on an
10 Example refers to LGSS Non-Officer, NHASS member or VHSS
Non-Officer as S&C is taken at 1.5% of Net PE.
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administrative basis, for calculating the contributions of such
employees, whether their pensions are integrated or not. More
detailed examples are given in the appendices.
Common approach to all part-time employees 14. All part-time
employees (whether from officer or non-officer stream) being
given
access to the relevant scheme by virtue of Part B of this
circular shall reckon service in the same manner. Accordingly,
service for all part-time employees shall be aggregated on an
actual service basis, e.g. if a part-time employee is contracted
for 40% of the comparable whole-time equivalent hours for the
period 1 January 2004 to 30 June 2004, the service credit will be
0.1984 years (40% of 0.4959, the actual period in question). For
the purposes of this circular the distinctions between Officer and
Non-Officer is retained.
Death in service/ill-health situations 15. As indicated by the
Department of Finance, the approach to be used in the case of
death-in-service/ill health situations is still under
consideration. In the interim, any such cases should be referred to
the Pension Policy Unit of this Department. All cases will then be
forwarded to the Pensions Section of the Department of Finance for
consideration.
Spouses' and Children's Pensions 16. The revision of retirement
pension entitlement may give rise to new or enhanced
Spouses and Childrens entitlement. It will be necessary to make
every reasonable effort to identify such cases to ensure that the
spouse and/or children receive appropriate entitlements under the
Spouses and Childrens Schemes.
17. In the case of LGSS the terms of circular LA/95 and in the
case(s) of the NHASS
and VHSS the terms of Circular 11/95 (both dealing with
application of Full PRSI for public servants employed after 06
April 1995) will continue to apply where appropriate. In applying
these terms, notional full-time net pensionable remuneration should
be used with effect from 20 December 2001.
Interaction with other Public Service Pension Reforms 18. The
terms of this circular are effective from 20 December 2001. The
revised
integration method, which is set out in circular 20/2005 dated
26 September 2005 and which also forms part of the overall Public
Service Pension Reform arrangements, should be applied with effect
from 01 January 2004. In applying that revised method of
integration to the pensions of part-time employees, notional
whole-time equivalent pensionable remuneration and actual service
worked expressed as a proportion of whole-time equivalent
attendance will be used as appropriate.
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Part B: Access to the Schemes
Access to pension schemes for part-time public servants 19.
Employers were notified by circular SS11/96 of 19 July 1996 that it
had been
agreed in principle that part-time non-officers could join the
relevant scheme with effect from 01 April 1996 on the same basis as
it applied to whole-time non-officers. Employees in public health
sector employment were notified by circular 64/2002 of the
requirements of the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act
2001 (hereinafter referred to as the Part-Time Act) in so far as
pensions are concerned, (i.e. that any part-time employee whose
normal hours of work are at least 20% of the normal hours of work
of a comparable whole-time equivalent) should, in anticipation of
the necessary statutory cover, become a member of the relevant
scheme. In light of the recommendations of the Commission on Public
Service Pensions regarding access for part-time public employees in
the public service and in light of pension reform generally, the
Department of Finance has now reviewed the position.
20. In relation to public service pension schemes other than the
Civil Service
Schemes, the Department of Finance has decided that, with effect
from 20 December 2001, Departments may, at their discretion, apply
a threshold lower than that specified in the Part-Time Act or no
threshold, should they wish, in respect of access to schemes.
Departments are also given the discretion to waive the requirement
to have a whole-time equivalent comparator for access to those
schemes from that date should they wish11.
Access/Thresholds for part-time employees 21. The position with
regard to access / thresholds for part-time employees under the
relevant scheme are as follows:
(a) LGSS Non-Officers, Members of the NHASS & VHSS
Non-Officers. Having regard to the fact that access to the schemes
for the above part-time employees was effective from 01 April 1996,
the position is that with effect from that date, there will be no
minimum hours required for access to the Schemes. This more
favourable position, as compared with that set out in Department of
Finance circular 20/2005, arises from circular letter S.11/96
(providing membership of the LGSS for non-officers) and circular
letter SS11/96 (providing membership of the NHASS and for
non-officers in the VHSS) with effect from 01 April 1996. Neither
S.11/96 nor SS11/96 specified a minimum hours threshold. Also, with
effect from that date, there will be no requirement for these
employees to have a whole-time equivalent comparator in order to
gain access to the relevant scheme12.
11 A comparator is, however, required before pro rata
integration can be applied to the pension calculation of a
part-time employee see paragraphs 5 to 8 above. 12 A comparator is,
however, required before pro rata can be applied to the pension
calculation of a part-time LGSS non-officer, Member of NHASS or
VHSS non-officer see paragraphs 5 to 8 above
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(b) LGSS Officers and VHSS Officers
Having regard to the fact that access to the schemes for above
named part-time officers was effective from 20 December 2001, the
position is that with effect from that date, there will be no
minimum hours required for access to the Schemes for officers.
Also, with effect from that date, there will be no requirement for
part-time officers to have a whole-time equivalent comparator in
order to gain access13 to the relevant scheme.
Access for serving/former employees - public service position
generally 22. In relation to public service pension schemes other
than the Civil Service
Schemes, the Department of Finance has decided that serving
part-time employees, or former part-time employees who were serving
on or after 20 December 2001, who meet the requirements for
membership (see paragraph 21 above and 26 following) and who have
not yet been given access to the relevant scheme must now be given
the opportunity of joining with effect from 20 December 2001 (or
date of appointment, whichever is later). It is at the discretion
of Departments, having regard to the rules and/or arrangements in
the relevant scheme where appropriate, as to whether membership is
made compulsory for serving employees or whether they are given the
option of retaining their present arrangements. Departments have
been advised that, in exercising this discretion, they should bear
in mind that it is not intended that providing access to a pension
Scheme would result in serving employees being in a less favourable
position than under current arrangements.
23. It is essential that, in offering options to serving/former
employees, information is
provided as to the superannuation benefits available under the
relevant scheme, the level and amount of contributions payable and
the time limits for exercising the option (paragraph 27 and
Appendix 9 refers). It should be made clear to employees that, once
the relevant time limit has expired, the option will no longer be
available. It should also be made clear to employees that once an
option has been exercised it cannot be amended or revoked. Options,
which must be exercised in writing, should be retained on the
personnel files of employees. A sample option form, which may be
adapted as appropriate, is set out in Appendix 9.
Option not to join relevant scheme; Where a serving / former
part-time employee does not avail of the option provided for under
paragraphs 23 and 24 of this circular to join the relevant scheme,
he / she may qualify for a gratuity under entitlements under the
Local Government (Superannuation) (Gratuities) Regulations 1984
(LGSS) or K148/181 (dated 03 May 1983) (NHASS & VHSS)
13 A comparator is, however, required before pro rata can be
applied to the pension calculation of a part-time LGSS officer or
VHSS officer see paragraphs 5 to 8 above.
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Access for serving/former employees 24. The position with regard
to access to the relevant scheme for serving / former
part-time employees is as follows: (b) LGSS Non-Officers, Member
of NHASS and VHSS Non-Officers
The above named current or former part-time employees who were
serving on or after 01 April 1996 and who have since retired /
resigned as part-time employees, and who meet the requirements for
membership must be given the option of either joining the relevant
scheme with effect from 01 April 1996 or the date of appointment /
commencement of employment, if later, or of retaining their present
arrangements. This more favourable position, as compared with that
set out in Department of Finance circular 20/2005, arises from
circular letter S.11/96 (providing membership of the LGSS for
non-officers) and circular SS11/96 (providing membership of the
NHASS and for non-officers in the VHSS) with effect from 01 April
1996 and did not specify a closing option date. Having regard to
the fact that the pension benefit terms for above named employees
set out in this circular letter are significantly different from
those on offer in circular S.11/96 and SS11/96, as an exceptional
measure an option should be given to all relevant part-time or
former part-time employees serving on or after 01 April 1996, who
declined to join the scheme on foot of circular letter S.11/96 or
SS11/96. This means that any relevant part-time employee who was
made pensionable by virtue of circular S.11/96 or SS11/96 will be
entitled to retain his/her existing 'limited' membership of the
relevant scheme (as provided under circular S.11/96 or SS11/96) or
become a member subject to the revised terms now on offer.
(c) LGSS Officers and VHSS Officers
All serving part-time officers, or former part-time officers who
were serving on or after 20 December 2001 and who have since
retired / resigned as part-time officers, and who meet the
requirements for membership must be given the option of either
joining the relevant scheme with effect from 20 December 2001 or
the date of appointment / commencement of employment, if later, or
of retaining their present arrangements. Having regard to the fact
that the pension benefit terms for part-time officers set out in
this circular letter are significantly different from those on
offer in circular 64/2002 and not all agencies / organisations
admitted part-time officers to membership on foot of that circular,
as an exceptional measure an option should be given to all
part-time or former part-time officers serving on or after 20
December 2001, who declined to join the scheme on foot of circular
64/2002. This means that any part-time officer who was made
pensionable by virtue of circular 64/2002 will be entitled to
retain his / her existing 'limited' membership of the relevant
scheme (as providing under circular 64/2002) or become a member
subject to the revised terms now on offer.
Option not to join relevant scheme; Where a serving / former
part-time employee does not avail of the option provided for under
paragraphs 23 and 24 of this circular to join the relevant scheme,
he / she may qualify for a gratuity under entitlements under the
Local Government (Superannuation)
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(Gratuities) Regulations 1984 (LGSS) or K148/181 (dated 03 May
1983) (NHASS & VHSS)
New appointees 25. Subject to existing contractually binding
arrangements, membership of the
schemes will be mandatory for all part-time employees recruited
after the issue of this circular. The exclusion of any part-time
employee (or grade/group of employees) from a scheme (other than in
accordance with the relevant scheme rules) is subject to the
agreement of the Pension Section of the Department of Finance,
following consultation with the appropriate employee interests. The
Pension Policy Unit of this Department should be consulted about
any such cases in the first instance. In line with standard best
practice, employers should bring to the attention of new appointees
the terms of membership of the relevant scheme and also of their
options, e.g. regarding transfer of service between public sector
employers, where applicable.
Membership Conditions 26. Membership of a scheme will be subject
to the relevant scheme rules and to the
following:- (a) payment of appropriate back contributions (on a
pro-rata basis
reference paragraph 10) in respect of reckonable service in
accordance with existing scheme rules, subject to the following
arrangements:
(i) LGSS Non-Officers (S.11/96), NHASS Members
(SS11/96) and VHSS Non-Officers (SS11/96) who joined the
relevant scheme on foot of the appropriate circular (very few
employees so opted) - in respect of service given on or after 01
April 1996, at the
pensionable earnings and OACP rates appropriate to the period in
question;
(ii) LGSS Non-Officers (S.11/96), NHASS Members
(SS11/96) and VHSS Non-Oficers (SS11/96) who did not join the
relevant scheme on foot of the appropriate circular - in respect of
service given on or after 01 April 1996, at
the pensionable earnings and OACP rates appropriate to the
period in question;
(iii) LGSS Officer and VHSS Officers
- in respect of service given on or after 20 December 2001, at
the pensionable earnings and OACP rates appropriate to the period
in question;
[See Part C in respect of service given before 01 April 1996 /
20 December 2001, as appropriate].
(b) repayment of any additional remuneration or other benefits
(at current
rates) received in lieu of pensionability;
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(c) the hours worked being recorded and verifiable;
(d) the waiving of entitlement to a non-pensionable or part-time
gratuity (where this applies) and,
(e) the service not being used to calculate any other
superannuation
entitlement or not having been transferred. Examples of how past
service contributions liability should be determined and how
benefits received in lieu of pensionability should be repaid are
set out in the appendices.
Time-Limits 27. The option of access to a scheme offered on foot
of paragraph 24 above will be
available until 31 October 2006. In the case of former part-time
employees serving on or after 01 April 1996 / 20 December 2001, as
appropriate, and who had retired before the date of issue of this
circular, the back contributions must be paid at the time of opting
into the pension scheme.
For serving employees, the arrangements at paragraph 26(a)
regarding payment of back contributions will be available until 30
June 2008 or the date of retirement, if earlier. If the full
liability is not discharged by that date, the outstanding liability
will be determined by reference to the pensionable earnings and
OACP rates applicable on the date of payment. If the full
outstanding liability is not discharged by the date of retirement,
it will be offset against the superannuation benefits payable on
retirement (based on the pensionable earnings and OACP rates
applicable on that date).
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Part C: Reckoning of Prior Part-time Service Under the Scheme
Reckoning of part-time service prior to date of access to a scheme
28. The Part-Time Act did not make specific provision for the
reckoning for pension
purposes of part-time service prior to the date of the
introduction of the Act. 29. In the case of full-time employees
with previous part-time service, the general
practice is that, with effect from a certain date, (normally in
the 1970s), prior part-time service of more than 18 hours per week
is reckonable.
30. In most cases, scheme rules do not allow for prior part-time
service to be reckoned
on a proportionate basis for periods before a certain date. For
example, the public health sector schemes provide that part-time
service (of more than 18 hours) given before 27 May 1977 is
reckoned as to one half of comparable full-time service, regardless
of how many hours were actually worked, whereas after that date it
is reckoned on a proportionate basis.
31. This circular is now clarifying how prior part-time service
in relevant
employment14 is to reckon for part-time employees who have
access or are now gaining access to the relevant scheme.
Reckoning of part-time service given prior to 01 April 1996
(LGSS Non-Officers, NHASS Members and VHSS Non-Officers) / 20
December 2001 (LGSS and VHSS Officers) under the relevant schemes
32. Under the public health sector superannuation schemes, prior
part-time service
shall be reckonable as follows:
(a) LGSS Non-Officers, NHASS Members and VHSS Non-Officers
Employees (as above), currently serving, may reckon service given
in a part-time capacity, prior to 01 April 199615. Former employees
(as above), serving in a part-time capacity on or after 01 April
1996, may also be allowed to reckon such service, with effect from
that date; subject to the following;
(i) for service given prior to 27 May 1977, where the hours
worked were at least 18 hours per week, the service will reckon
on the basis of one half of comparable whole-time equivalent
service16.
(ii) for service given between 27 May 1977 and 31 March
1996, where the hours worked were at least 10 hours per week17,
the service will reckon in the proportion which the
14 Relevant employment indicates employment where public health
sector superannuation schemes are available. Reckonable public
service employment can
be purchased, subject to the rules and regulations of the
relevant Scheme. 15 As per paragraph 6, the Pension Policy Unit of
this Department should be consulted where an appropriate full-time
comparator does not exist
16 This is in accordance with the provisions of Article 89 of
the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme
1998.
17 In accordance with the minimum hours required for eligibility
for a non-pensionable gratuity under the VHSS 1969 per K148/181
(dated 03 May 1983)
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hours worked bear to comparable whole-time equivalent
service
(iii) payment of appropriate back contributions (on a
pro-rata
basis reference paragraph 10) in respect of reckonable service
given before;
(b) LGSS Officers and VHSS Officers
Part-time service given prior to 20 December 2001 by part-time
officers18 who are currently serving, or by former part-time
officers who were serving on or after 20 December 2001, may be
allowed to reckon, with effect from that date, subject to the
following
(i) for service given prior to 27 May 1977, where the hours
worked were at least 18 hours per week, the service will reckon
on the basis of one half of comparable whole-time equivalent
service19.
(ii) for service given between 27 May 1977 and 20 December
2001, where the hours worked were at least 10 hours per week20,
the service will reckon in the proportion which the hours worked
bear to comparable whole-time equivalent service21.
(iii) payment of appropriate back contributions (on a
pro-rata
basis reference paragraph 10) in respect of reckonable service
given before 20 December 2001 by reference to the pensionable
earnings and OACP rates applicable on 20 December 2001
(c) repayment of any additional remuneration or other benefits
received in
lieu of pensionability (at current rates); (d) the hours worked
being recorded and verifiable;
(e) the waiving of entitlement to a non-pensionable or part-time
gratuity
(where this applies) and
(f) the service not being used to calculate any other
superannuation entitlement or not having been transferred.
Examples of how past service contributions liability should be
determined and how benefits received in lieu of pensionability
should be repaid are set out in the appendices.
17 This is in accordance with the provisions of Article 89 of
the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme
1998.
19 This is in accordance with the minimum hours required for
eligibility for a non-pensionable gratuity under the LGSS and
VHSS
20 This is in accordance with the minimum hours required for
eligibility for a non-pensionable gratuity under the LGSS and VHSS
21 This is in accordance with the provisions of Article 89 of the
Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998.
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Time-Limits 33. In the case of former part-time employees who
were serving on or after 01 April
1996 / 20 December 2001, as appropriate, and who had retired
before the date of issue of this circular (December 2005), the back
contributions must be paid at the time of opting into the relevant
scheme. For serving staff, the arrangements at paragraph 32(a)(iii)
or 32(b)(iii), as appropriate, regarding payment of back
contributions will be available until 30 June 2008 or the date of
retirement, if earlier. If the full outstanding liability is not
discharged by the date of retirement, it will be offset against the
superannuation benefits payable on retirement (based on the
pensionable earnings and OACP rates applicable on that date).
PART D: GENERAL ISSUES Record Keeping 34. Employers should note
that it is essential that adequate records are maintained of
all hours worked by employees and that pensionable service is
clearly identified as such. In this regard also, adequate records
should be kept of extra attendance by part-time employees during
normal office hours on days, or at times, which are outside of
their scheduled part-time attendance pattern. As indicated in
paragraph 23, copies of all options exercised should be retained on
the personnel files of employees.
Part-Time Act 35. Employers are reminded to consult this
Departments circular 64/2002 of 14
November 2002, which outlined a summary of the main
superannuation aspects of the Part-Time Act as they apply to health
service employees. The booklet entitled Protection of Employees
(Part-Time Work) Act 2001 issued by Department of Enterprise, Trade
and Employment should also be consulted.
36. Entitlements under the Part-Time Act must be provided. They
are conferred
regardless of whether pension schemes and/or employment
contracts have been formally amended to cover such
entitlements.
37. The Part-Time Act is effective from 20 December 2001 and all
employers have a
direct responsibility to ensure that they comply with the
provisions of the Act from that date.
Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003 38. Employers
should also be aware that part-time employees on contract may
also
have entitlements under the terms of the Protection of Employees
(Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003, effective from 14 July 2003. Employers
should also examine that legislation and make any necessary
appropriate provision to ensure that they comply with its
terms.
PRSA obligations regarding employees who are ineligible for
membership 39. Employers are reminded that Section 121 of the
Pensions Act 1990, as inserted by
section 3 of the Pensions (Amendment) Act 2002, obliges all
employers to
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facilitate access to Personal Retirement Savings Accounts
(PRSAs) for some categories of employees in certain circumstances.
In this regard, circular 22/2005 dated 21 October 2005, which
enclosed the Department of Finances letter of 20 July 2005
regarding PRSAs, may be of assistance.
Clarification of employee entitlements 40. The precise
entitlements of any employee depend on the specifics of the
employment relationship in each case and the prime
responsibility for clarifying an employees legal entitlements under
the Part-Time Act rests with each employer.
Queries on the Part-Time and Fixed-Term Acts 41. Specific
queries regarding the Part-Time Act and the Protection of
Employees
(Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003 are a matter for the Department of
Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Statutory responsibility for
pension legislation rests with the Department of Social and Family
Affairs. Suitable contact details are provided in the
appendices.
Pension Adjustment Orders (PAOs) 42. Employers should note that,
in general, payments on foot of a PAO will not fall to
be revised if the terms of a pension scheme are revised with
effect from a date after the date of the decree of divorce or
judicial separation. Because of the legal complexity and
sensitivity of such cases, the Pensions Section of the Department
of Finance has asked that it be consulted about all cases impacted
by a PAO and falling within the scope of its circular 20/2005.
Agencies / organisations are required to bring to the attention of
Pension Policy Unit of this Department, for examination, relevant
scheme cases impacted by a Pension Adjustment Order and falling to
be dealt with under the terms of this Departments circular 20/2005
(Revised Integration).
Summary 43. A summary of the terms of this circular and other
issues relating to the retirement
and superannuation position of part-time employees is set out in
Appendix 8.
Scheme Amendments 44. The Nominated Health Agencies
Superannuation Scheme and the Voluntary
Hospitals Superannuation Scheme are non-statutory schemes and
this circular now forms part of these schemes. The HSE model
superannuation scheme is available on an administrative basis. The
LGSS will be amended in due course to take account of the changes
set out in this circular.
Circulation 45. Employers are asked to bring this circular to
the attention of all their employees.
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Effective Dates 46. The effective date for this Circular is 20
December 2001. Reckonable service
prior to that date will be subject to full integration. Pro rata
will apply from 20 December 2001. Retrospective payment of benefits
arising from this circular will apply from the date of retirement
which shall be no earlier than 01 April 1996 (LGSS Non-Officers,
NHASS Members and VHSS Non-Officers) or 20 December 2001(LGSS
Officers and VHSS Officers).
Queries 47. Any cases of doubt or difficulty arising in
connection with this circular should be
referred by employers, in writing, to the Pension Policy Unit,
Department of Health and Children, Hawkins House, Hawkins Street,
Dublin 2.
Mise le meas ________________ Patsy Carr Assistant Principal
Pension Policy Unit
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Appendix 1 - Reckonability and Contributions for Part-time
Service
Category LGSS Officer, VHSS Officer - (All part-time).From To
Threshold (Reckonable Service) Back Contributions
20/12/01 No Threshold *Pensionable Earnings & OACP rates
appropriate to period when service is given
27/05/77 19/12/01 Minimum of 10 hours (proportional to normal
WTE) in any weekMinimum of 18 ** hours in any week. (Limited to WTE
for qualifying service)
Category LGSS Non-Officer, NHASS Member, VHSS Non-Officer - (All
part-time)From To Threshold (Reckonable Service) Back
Contributions
01/04/96 No Threshold *Pensionable Earnings & OACP rates
appropriate to period when service is given
27/05/77 31/03/96 Minimum of 10 hours (proportional to normal
WTE) in any weekMinimum of 18 ** hours in any week. (Limited to WTE
for qualifying service)
* (previously 20% of normal WTE per circular S. 4/2002 (LGSS)
and circular 64/2002 (NHASS & VHSS))
** Pre27/05/77 service must be not less than 18 hours in any
week and is reckoned at WTE for qualifying
service.ConditionsPayment of 'Back' Contributions
Hours work recorded and verifiedWaiving of entitlement to
non-pensionable or part-time gratuity.
Access - Serving Personnel
Access - Former / Retired Personnel
How to reckon part-time service for both Officer and
Non-Officers
(c) Benefits based on pro-rata service and full-time pay
(a) Applicable from 20 December 2001(b) Conditions;
(i) Appropriate full-time comparator required.(ii) Pay or
undertake to pay all relevant contributions.
(a) With full-time comparator; Pro-rata to full-time service(b)
Without full-time comparator; one year part-time equals one years
service.
Pro-rata Integration for both Officer and Non-Officers
Pensionable Earnings & OACP rates applicable on 20/12/01
Retired part-time employees serving on or after 20/12/01 or
01/04/96 respectively must pay 'back' contributions at time of
opting in to the Scheme.
Repayment of additional remuneration or other benefits received
in lieu of pensionability (at current rates).
Pensionable Earnings & OACP rates applicable on 01/04/96Pre
27/05/77
31/09/06 - Payment of 'back' contributions on or before 30/06/07
(retirement date if earlier). Subsequent outstanding liabilities
during service or outstanding liabilities at date of retirement
calculated by reference to the relevan scheme rules.
Part-time Employee AccessReckonability & Contributions for
Service
Pre 27/05/77
LGSS, NHASS & VHSS
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Appendix 2 - Contribution Examples
Pre - 20/12/01 Post - 20/12/01 Pre - 20/12/01 Post - 20/12/01
Pre - 01/04/96 Post - 01/04/96 Pre - 01/04/96 Post -
01/04/96Full
IntegrationPro-Rata
IntegrationFull
IntegrationPro-Rata
IntegrationFull
IntegrationPro-Rata
IntegrationFull
IntegrationPro-Rata
IntegrationWhole-time equivalent (WTE) for grade 33.00 33.00
39.00 39.00 39.00 39.00 39.00 39.00Hours worked by member 19.80
19.80 15.60 15.60 19.50 19.50 15.60 15.60% of WTE worked by member
60.00% 60.00% 40.00% 40.00% 50.00% 50.00% 40.00% 40.00%
Gross Weekly Pensionable Earnings (PE) 1,724.80 2,874.66 400.00
1,000.00 229.97 459.94 400.00 1,000.002 * OACP 358.60 358.60 358.60
358.60 358.60 358.60 358.60 358.60Net Pensionable Earnings (PE)
1,366.20 2,516.06 41.40 641.40 0.00 101.34 41.40
641.40ContributionsLump Sum (1% of PE) 25.87 25.87 6.00 6.00 3.45
3.45 6.00 6.00Pension (3% of Net PE) 47.82 52.84 1.45 8.98 0.00
1.77 1.45 8.98S & C (1% of PE or Net PE) * 25.87 25.87 6.00
6.00 0.00 0.76 0.62 3.85Total Weekly Contributions 99.56 104.58
13.45 20.98 3.45 5.98 8.07 18.83Outcome (Increase in contributions)
5.02 7.53 2.53 10.76
Calculation of contributions in public health sector
superannuation schemes is already provided for on an administrative
basis under circular S.4/2002 (LGSS) and circular 64/2002 (NHASS
& VHSS)Existing job-sharers are currently subject to pro-rata
contributions and will retain these arrangements. Annual WeeklyOACP
is the rate on 07 January 2005 payable to an adult with no
dependant(s) @ 179.30 per week. 2 * OACP equals 358.60 per week.
9,355.87 179.30For more information please contact the
superannuation officer in your organisation. 18,711.74 358.60Issued
by the Pension Policy Unit of the Department of Health &
Children 31,186.23 597.67
(Contributions are based on current PE and OACP Rates for both
full and pro-rata integration methods.)
Part-time Circular 2005 - Calculation of ContributionsExamples
for Salaries / Wages Integrated with Social Welfare Benefits
Etc.
LGSS Non-Officer, NHASS Member, VHSS Non-Officer
LGSS Officer, VHSS Officer LGSS Officer, VHSS Officer LGSS
Non-Officer, NHASS Member, VHSS Non-Officer
Case 1 Case II
LGSS, NHASS, VHSS
Public Health Sector Superannuation Schemes (DoH&C
23/2005)
OACP * 3 1/3
* LGSS Non-Officers, NHASS Members and VHSS Non-Officers pay 1%
of Net PE towards Spouses' & Children's Contributory Pension
Scheme. All other public health sector members pay 1% of Gross
PE
Case III Case IV
OACP SingleOACP * 2
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Appendix 3 Employee (aged 65 on 08 December 2005) Options on
Ex-Gratia Vs. Scheme Membership.
Case 1 Case 2 Case 3 Case 4 Case 5 Case 6 Case 7 Case 8 Case
9Service (Period of Years in Service) 40.0000 37.5000 35.0000
32.5000 30.0000 27.5000 25.0000 22.5000 20.0000WTE Service (Years)
30.0000 27.0000 24.0000 21.0000 18.0000 15.0000 12.0000 9.0000
6.0000WTE Commitment 75.00% 72.00% 68.57% 64.62% 60.00% 54.55%
48.00% 40.00% 30.00%
Actual PR (Salary + Pensionable Allowances) 30,000 28,000 16,000
14,000 12,000 28,000 26,000 24,000 22,000WTE PR 40,000 38,889
23,333 21,667 20,000 51,333 54,167 60,000 73,333
Lump Sum 45,000 39,375 21,000 17,063 13,500 28,875 24,375 20,250
16,500
Current ArrangementService (Period of Years in Service) 40.0000
37.5000 35.0000 32.5000 30.0000 27.5000 25.0000 22.5000
20.0000Actual PR (Salary + Pens Allowances) 30,000 28,000 16,000
14,000 12,000 28,000 26,000 24,000 22,0002 * OACP 18,712 18,712
18,712 18,712 18,712 18,712 18,712 18,712 18,712Abated PR 11,288
9,288 0 0 0 9,288 7,288 5,288 3,288Annual Pension (Current
Arrangement) 5,644 4,354 0 0 0 3,193 2,278 1,487 822
Revised ArrangementWTE Service (Years) 30.0000 27.0000 24.0000
21.0000 18.0000 15.0000 12.0000 9.0000 6.0000WTE PR 40,000 38,889
23,333 21,667 20,000 51,333 54,167 60,000 73,3332 * OACP 18,712
18,712 18,712 18,712 18,712 18,712 18,712 18,712 18,712Abated PR
21,288 20,177 4,622 2,955 1,288 32,622 35,455 41,288 54,622Annual
Pension (Revised Arrangement) 7,983 6,810 1,386 776 290 6,117 5,318
4,645 4,097
Revised Integration FormulaService 30.0000 27.0000 24.0000
21.0000 18.0000 15.0000 12.0000 9.0000 6.0000WTE PR 40,000 38,889
23,333 21,667 20,000 51,333 54,167 60,000 73,333Annual Pension
(Revised Integration Formula) 0 0 2,800 2,275 1,800 0 0 0 0
Actual Annual Pension Payable 7,983 6,810 2,800 2,275 1,800
6,117 5,318 4,645 4,097
Service (Period of years) indicates the total period of service,
regardless of full-time or part-time. OACP Single 9,356WTE Service
(Years) indicates the whole-time equivalent years for the period of
reckonable service (E.g. 19 / 39 hours represents WTE year). OACP *
2 18,712WTE Commitment calculates the percentage of WTE Service
(Years) to Service (Period of years) OACP * 3 1/3 31,186PR is
pensionable remunerationActual PR is the final salary plus 3 years'
pensionable allowances.WTE PR is the Actual PR divided by the WTE
Commitment.Lump sum is the retirement gratuity payable; i.e.
3/80ths of WTE PRCurrent arrangement calculates the pension payable
to retiring employees with part-time service based on Actual
Service and Actual PRRevised arrangement calculates pension payable
to retiring employees with part-time service based on WTE (Service
Years) and WTE PR.Revised Integration Formula calculates pension
payable to retiring employees whose WTE PR is less than 3.333333
times the current rate of OACPOACP is the Old Age Contributory
Pension paid by the Department of Social & Family Affairs.
(9,356 the annual single rate payable with effect from 07 January
2005)For more information please contact the superannuation officer
in your organisation.Issued by the Pension Policy Unit of the
Department of Health & Children, October 2005
Examples for Varying Public Health Sector Grades, Lengths of
Service, Remuneration Etc.Part-time Circular 2005 - Calculation of
Pension Benefits Integrated with Social Welfare
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Appendix 4 - Part I Example of Service Calculation, 1974 to
2005; Contributions, Benefits, Ex-Gratia Estimate
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Appendix 4 - Part II Example of Service Calculation, 1974 to
2005; Contributions, Benefits, Ex-Gratia Estimate
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Appendix 5 - Calculation of Pension Benefits Integrated with
Social Welfare.
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Appendix 6 - Contact Details for Part-time and Fixed-term
Contracts. 1. Queries about the interpretation of the Protection of
Employees (Part-Time Work)
Act 2001 are primarily the responsibility of the Department of
Enterprise, Trade and Employment and specific queries should be
referred to the Employment Rights Section of that Department and
/or legal advice sought as appropriate.
Contact details: Employment Rights Information Unit Department
of Enterprise, Trade & Employment Davitt House 65A Adelaide
Road Dublin 2
Phone: (01) 631 3131 Lo-call: 1890 201 615 (outside the 01 area)
Fax: (01) 631 3267 Website: www.entemp.ie E-mail:
[email protected]
That Unit also has a guide to the Protection of Employees
(Fixed-Term Act) 2003 for employers and employees at
http://www.entemp.ie/erir/protfixexpl03.doc
2. Statutory responsibility for occupational pensions scheme
legislation rests with the
Department of Social and Family Affairs, and its state body the
Pensions Board offers guidance as appropriate. A guide to the
pensions aspects of the Part-Time Act may be obtained from the
Pensions Boards website at http://www.pensionsboard.ie
http://www.entemp.ie/mailto:[email protected]://www.entemp.ie
/erir/protfixexpl03.dochttp://www.pensionsboard.ie/
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Appendix 7 Verification of Service
It is the responsibility of potential members to verify previous
service. This should be done through the relevant agency /
organisation where the relevant period of employment was completed
Agencies / organisations will provide documentary evidence of
service including details of
Grade, salary point (from (DoH&C) consolidated salary scales
at 20 December 2001 (01 April 1996, where applicable) or when
service was given if after those dates, increments paid, total
pensionable earnings for each period,
number of hours in each period of employment. In the absence of
employer records for certain periods the potential member should
produce details of
Social welfare contributions and entitlements in the relevant
period. P60 details for each year where employer records are
insufficient to verify
service. Contact details: Department of Social & Family
Affairs
Phone: (01) 874 8444 (Information Section) (01) 673 2341 (PRSI
Records) Website: www.welfare.ie E-mail; [email protected]
Inspector of Taxes
LoCall: 1890 33 34 25 (Dublin Region) 1890 77 74 25 (Border
Midlands Western Region) 1890 22 24 25 (South West Region) 1890 44
44 25 (East & South East Region) Website: www.revenue.ie
http://www.entemp.ie/mailto:[email protected]://www.revenue.ie/
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Appendix 8 - Other Issues Relating to the Retirement and
Superannuation of Part-time Employees Maximum Retirement Age
Part-time employees who are not new entrants for the purposes of
the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act
2004 shall cease to be pensionable on reaching the age of 65 or on
leaving employment, whichever is the earlier. Such employees will
be subject to a minimum pension age of 60. Any part-time employee
who is not a new entrant and who has reached the age of 65 on the
date from which access to the relevant scheme is available will not
be entitled to become pensionable. Part-time employees who are new
entrants for the purposes of the Public Service Superannuation
(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 shall not be obliged to retire
on age grounds and will remain pensionable until they leave
employment. Such employees will be subject to a minimum pension age
of 65. Service after age 65 Service given after age 65 (where
employment beyond this age is allowed by the contract of
employment) by part-time employees who are not new entrants for the
purposes of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous
Provisions) Act 2004 will not be pensionable. Service given after
age 65 by part-time employees who are new entrants for the purposes
of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act
2004 will be pensionable. Option not to join the Scheme Where a
serving/former part-time employee does not avail of the option to
join the relevant scheme provided under paragraphs 23 and 24 of
this circular, he/she may qualify for a gratuity under the Scheme.
PRSI Status It may be that the PRSI status of certain part-time
employees (officers) who have been in continuous part-time
employment since before 06 April 1995 may change from Class A to
Class D PRSI should they opt to become pensionable. The social
insurance classification of such employees falls to be assessed by
reference to the Social Welfare (Consolidated Contributions and
Insurability) Regulations 1996 (Scope Section, Department of Social
and Family Affairs - phone (01) 7043075 - is responsible for these
Regulations). Superannuation officers are advised to check the
position of any such employee with Scope Section, Department of
Social, Community and Family Affairs and notify the employee of the
outcome before he/she makes a decision on whether to join the
relevant scheme or not. Should the employee opt to join the
relevant scheme and his/her PRSI class is changed to Class D as a
result, all pension benefits and contribution liabilities would
fall to be assessed on a non-integrated basis (see Example A in
paragraph 12 and Example A in paragraph 13). Re-Entry after
availing of VER In the case of any part-time employee who availed
of voluntary early retirement becoming pensionable under the terms
of this circular will have a serious impact on any superannuation
benefits previously awarded to him/her. Employers should consult
the Pension Policy Unit of this Department in any such case, prior
to any option for pensionability being exercised (in the case of
serving/former staff see paragraph 24 of this circular) or the
person taking up employment (in the case of new recruits see
paragraph 25 of this circular).
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I acknowledge receipt of Circular 23/2005 Option Form
Signed: _______________________ Date: ____________________
Appendix 9 - Options Form
Circular 23/2005 Options Form Revised Arrangements for Part-time
Public Health Service Employees
Form to be completed by all part-time employees before 30 June
2006. Organisations to retain form on employees personnel file.
Name ______________________________ Grade
______________________________ Organisation
______________________________ PPS Number
______________________________ Personnel Number
______________________________ Date of Birth
______________________________
Agency Stamp & Signature
1. If employee opted NOT to join relevant scheme under circular
S.4/2002 or 64/2002 I opt to join the relevant scheme and I forfeit
any / all entitlements under the Local Government (Superannuation)
(Gratuities) Regulations 1984 (LGSS) or K148/181 (dated 03 May
1983) (NHASS & VHSS) [LGSS (HSE Model Superannuation Scheme),
NHASS, VHSS]
Y/N
OR I opt not to join the relevant scheme and retain existing
ex-gratia entitlements under the Local Government (Superannuation)
(Gratuities) Regulations 1984 (LGSS) or K148/181 (dated 03 May
1983) (NHASS & VHSS) [LGSS (HSE Model Superannuation Scheme),
NHASS, VHSS]
Y/N
2. Irrevocability of Exercise of Option I accept that once an
option has been exercised it cannot be amended or revoked.
Y Signed: _______________________________ Date:
____________________ If an employee is not a member failure to
complete and sign this Options Form will be taken as an option NOT
to join the relevant scheme and retain existing arrangements. As a
consequence of joining the relevant scheme, an employee must comply
with all the conditions set out in circular 23/2005, including the
requirement to pay appropriate back contributions and repay any
additional remuneration or other benefits received in lieu of
pensionability (at current rates). Relevant employees must at a
minimum acknowledge receipt of circular 23 / 2005 Option Form even
if they do not express preferred option(s).
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Addendum NOT PART OF CIRCULAR 23/2005 Brief Overview Department
of Health & Children Pension Policy Unit Circular 23/2005
Pension Policy Unit Revised Arrangements for Part-time
Public Health Service Employees
Who does it apply to? Applies to part-time employees in
public sector. Superannuation Scheme membership;
compulsory since 2002, where you meet threshold.
NEW option to avail of superannuation benefits dependent upon
payment of back contributions AND forfeiture of ex-gratia
entitlements
What do I do? Decide Options by 30 June 2006. Join; Identify and
verify relevant periods service Join from date of entry to relevant
public
sector employment, current date, or 01 April 1996 (NHASS and
Non-Officers) 20 December 2001 (Officers)
Pay back contributions by 30 June 2008 or date of retirement if
earlier. (O/S liabilities deducted from superannuation
entitlements).
Decline; Retain Ex-gratia entitlements
Contributions Based on Pensionable Earnings (PE) Pension @ 3% of
Net PE Lump Sum @ 1% of Gross PE Spouses & Childrens Scheme
Officers @ 1% of Gross PE Non-Officers & NHASS @ 1% of Net
PE
Net PE is Gross PE reduced by twice the rate of Social Welfare
OACP (18,712 pa)
Superannuation Benefits Forfeit Ex-gratia benefit and
receive
lump sum at retirement and pension based on WTE and Pensionable
Remuneration Lump sum 3/80th * Gross PR * WTE Pension 1/80th * Net
PR * WTE
Spouses & Childrens Pension Access for serving/former
employees
What Now? Read circular Contact Superannuation Section in
your
agency for further details. Verify service, calculate back
contributions and potential superannuation benefits.
Complete and return Options Form by 30 June 2006 (Regardless of
decision).
Appendix 2 - Contribution ExamplesAppendix 3 Employee (aged 65
on 08 December 2005) Options on Ex-Gratia Vs. Scheme
Membership.Appendix 4 - Part I Example of Service Calculation, 1974
to 2005; Contributions, Benefits, Ex-Gratia EstimateAppendix 4 -
Part II Example of Service Calculation, 1974 to 2005;
Contributions, Benefits, Ex-Gratia EstimateAppendix 5 - Calculation
of Pension Benefits Integrated with Social Welfare.Appendix 6 -
Contact Details for Part-time and Fixed-term Contracts.Appendix 7
Verification of ServiceAppendix 8 - Other Issues Relating to the
Retirement and Superannuation of Part-time EmployeesWhere a
serving/former part-time employee does not avail of the option to
join the relevant scheme provided under paragraphs 23 and 24 of
this circular, he/she may qualify for a gratuity under the
Scheme.PRSI Status
Appendix 9 - Options FormName Grade Signed:
_______________________________ Date: ____________________
Addendum NOT PART OF CIRCULAR 23/2005 Brief Overview