Lenihan eyes early retirement scheme for public workers

A VOLUNTARY early retirement scheme for public service workers is being considered by the Department of Finance in an effort to secure more value for money in the public sector.

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan is said to be conscious that any such scheme must ensure value for money, which could be difficult given the generous pension entitlements available to civil servants.

During a Dáil debate, Mr Lenihan said a voluntary redundancy scheme will be offered to administrative staff in the HSE and added: “I would like to see such a programme applied in the wider public service as well.”