Returning politicians spared cuts to pensions

Ex-TDs and senators who get back into the Oireachtas will enjoy higher-paying pensions not available to anyone else returning to public service, thanks to a Government decision to exclude them from money-saving pension changes.

Fianna Fáil supported the measure when the law, sponsored by Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Brendan Howlin, was debated in the summer. Although its TDs and senators voted against the bill on other points, Fianna Fáil stands to gain most from the bill after losing more than 50 Dáil and Seanad seats in last year’s election.

Mr Howlin said national politicians differ from other public servants, as the requirement to be re-elected means they do not have the same job security. But the wording of the act to set up the new pension scheme means ex-TDs and senators who did not contest the last election will continue to have pensions for their future Oireachtas service calculated on their final salary.