The Workplace Relations Commission has dismissed Eileen O'Brien's complaint that compulsory contributions to a survivor benefits scheme treated her unfairly because she was single and had no children.
In a decision dated 1 March 2024, the WRC said the scheme rules applied equally to all members. O'Brien, a clerical officer with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said she had paid about €12,000 towards benefits she could not use and sought a refund or donation to charity. The Council said contributions were compulsory and there were no exemptions based on marital or family status.
The adjudication officer found no facts supporting an inference of unequal pension treatment based on civil or family status, and said the scheme's rules applied equally to members. The complaint was made under the Pensions Act, which the officer applied after noting O'Brien's reference to the Equal Status Act in her account.