Uniformed services members seeking pension reform

A survey of members of An Garda Siochana, the Prison Service, the Fire Brigade and the Defence Forces has found high levels of concern over changes to pension entitlements introduced for those who joined after 2013.

Almost three quarters of respondents said they believe they will have to find alternative employment before retirement age.

The survey of more than 3,000 members also found that more than 90% of respondents were concerned or very concerned by the impact of the pension changes.

92% said it would be a concern for them and their families when voting in the upcoming general election.

"For recruits since 2013, the way the current pension scheme is constructed, they are looking into a future of financial hardship for at least four years and possibly over ten years after they retire because they will get no support from the State," said SIPTU Organiser Geoff McEvoy.

"There was access to a supplementary pension in previous schemes, but this was removed and has a disproportionate impact on uniformed services which have early retirement ages," Mr McEvoy said.

Representative Association of Commissioned Officers General Secretary, Conor King, said they have been telling the government for years that this is a serious problem and needs to be solved.

"The solution is simply a reinstatement of the supplementary pension facility, and we hope for the sake of retention across the uniformed services that the next government takes this on board," Mr King said.

Garda Representative Association President Mark O'Meara said that the message from the last government was effectively to tell members to get another job after retirement.

"Our concern is that many members will do just that and this will become a serious retention issue. 73% of recent recruits already believe they won't be in a position to serve until retirement knowing the future that awaits them," Mr O'Meara said.

Earlier this year, the Government increased the mandatory retirement ages for gardaí, prison officers and Defence Forces personnel.

However Prison Officers Association General Secretary Karl Dalton said that the last government's decision to extend the retirement age alone has not addressed the concerns of members.

"This survey shows just how little they understand these services and the people who work in them," Mr Dalton said.