The Department of Health has confirmed that talks with the Department of Public Expenditure on pension abatement rules for people returning to work for the HSE are ongoing. Current rules require abatement if people are re-employed in the public service, though the Department is reviewing issues raised by the HSE, particularly in psychiatric nursing, where a request to waive abatement was rejected.
SIPTU Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis, said: “The HSE acknowledged providing incorrect information to staff, leaving some at the Central Mental Hospital and other sites facing thousands in repayment demands. While some employees have begun negotiating repayment plans, the HSE has agreed to attend WRC conciliation if invited. Unions are pushing hard for a resolution on a fair way forward.”