The Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014

Role of the IRMP

38.—(1) A decision as to whether a member is entitled to early payment of retirement pension under regulation 36 (early payment of retirement pension on ill-health grounds: active members) or 37 (early payment of retirement pension on ill-health grounds: deferred members), shall be made by the Committee after it has obtained a certificate from an IRMP as to—

(a) whether or not the member is suffering from a condition that renders the member permanently incapable of discharging efficiently the duties of the employment the member was engaged in, because of ill-health or infirmity of mind or body;

(b) whether as a result of that condition the member has a reduced likelihood of being capable of undertaking any gainful employment before reaching normal pension age, and how long the member is unlikely to be capable of undertaking gainful employment; and

(c) where a member had reduced working hours and had reduced pay as a consequence, whether that reduction in working hours was wholly or partly as a consequence of the ill-health or infirmity of mind or body.

(2) Where the IRMP is considering an application under regulation 36 (early payment of retirement pension on ill-health grounds: active members), the IRMP shall further determine whether, as a result of that condition, the member—

(a) is unlikely to be capable of undertaking any gainful employment before reaching normal pension age; or

(b) is likely to become capable of undertaking any gainful employment before reaching normal pension age.

(3) A certificate from an IRMP, obtained under paragraphs (1) and (2), shall include a statement that—

(a) that IRMP has not previously advised, or given an opinion on or otherwise been involved in the particular case for which the certificate has been requested; and

(b) that IRMP is not acting, and has not at any time acted, as the representative of the member, the employing authority or any other party in relation to the same case.

(4) The Committee and the IRMP shall have regard to guidance given by the Department when carrying out their function under this regulation, when making an ill-health determination.