§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many employees in his Department took early retirement in the last financial year; and at what total cost. [171728]
§ Mr. PearsonThe number of employees, covered by the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (Northern Ireland) who took early retirement in the financial year ending 31 March 2004 totalled 307 at a cost of £9,746,601.87. Of these, 226 retired early on grounds of ill health at a cost of £5,527,899.53.
The figures reflect the amounts actually paid out during the financial year 2003–04. The total cost of enhancements to pension benefits and the additional compensation amounts paid in advance of normal age of retirement is only available at disproportionate cost.
938WThe figures include those applicable to Next Steps Agencies and NDPB's, which are also members of the Scheme.