AHCPS Ezine January 2019
18th January 2019
To Branch Secretaries
AHCPS E-Zine January 2019
Dear Branch Secretary,
Firstly, a very happy New Year to all our branch officers and members. Below is an update on a number of current issues. Please circulate to all members.
Dates for 2019 AGMs and ADC
Please note that Annual General Meetings of branches should be held no later than Friday 22nd March 2019, which is 7 weeks before the Annual Delegate Conference (Friday 10th May). Details of the deadlines relating to the ADC, as per Association rules, will be issued to all branches shortly.
FEMPI Restoration / Additional Superannuation Contribution
Following receipt of a number of queries, the Association has prepared an information sheet for members which details the impact on AHCPS grades of the FEMPI pay restorations due in 2019 and 2020. The information sheet can be accessed here. The remaining FEMPI-related deduction, which is due to be restored by 1st July 2021 at the latest, is also shown.
The information sheet also contains a clarification for members on the Additional Superannuation Contribution which was introduced on 1st January 2019 in place of the Pension Related Deduction (Pension Levy). Please see DPER circular in relation to the ASC here.
Details in relation to Government policy on increases to Public Service pensions up to 2020 can be accessed through this DPER circular.
Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Bill 2018
On 26th December 2018, the President signed into law the Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Bill 2018. This bill provides for an increase in the compulsory retirement age of most pre-2004 public servants from age 65 to age 70. These public servants generally had a compulsory retirement age of 65 previously.
Since 26th December 2018, any relevant public servant who has not already reached his/her compulsory retirement age before that date, now has a new compulsory retirement age of 70 and will have the choice to work beyond the age of 65 to age 70 if they so choose.
Enactment of the legislation does not affect those public servants who are currently availing of the interim arrangements, whereby they have retired and have been rehired for a period of 1 year until they reach the age of 66. The terms of their fixed term contracts will continue to apply and they will cease working at age 66 as previously provided. If a person has applied for the interim arrangements, he/she will be covered by the new legislation as long as he/she has not already reached the compulsory retirement age before the date that the Bill was signed by the President. It is intended that these arrangements will be reviewed after three months.
Retirement Seminar
The Association will shortly hold a retirement seminar for members – the provisional date is 14th February. Further information will issue to branches shortly in relation to booking etc. The seminar will be facilitated by Cornmarket and will take place at AHCPS Head Office.
Membership Plus Card
The Executive Committee has taken the decision not to renew the Membership Plus card for 2019 and 2020. This decision follows consideration of the extent of card usage by members vs the cost of renewing the scheme. The Executive Committee is currently considering a range of alternative services to members in lieu of the Membership Plus card.
Yours sincerely
Ciaran Rohan
General Secretary
