The Firefighters’ Pension Scheme Order (Northern Ireland) 2007

Election to purchase increased benefits

62.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (4), an eligible person may, by giving written notice to the Board, elect to purchase a specified number of sixtieths on his average pensionable pay by paying to the Board—

(a) a lump sum calculated in accordance with paragraph 1 or 2 of Part I of Schedule 7; or

(b) periodical contributions calculated in accordance with paragraph 3 or 4 of that Part.

(2) The number of sixtieths specified—

(a) must not be such that, if he continued to serve as a regular firefighter until his normal pension age, more than 40 sixtieths of his average pensionable pay would count in calculating his pension; and

(b) need not be a whole number.

(3) An election to pay a lump sum—

(a) must be made within 12 months after the date on which he last became a regular firefighter; and

(b) if the sum is not paid within 3 months of the date that payment of periodical contributions commenced, that portion of the election shall be treated as not having been made.

(4) An election to pay periodical contributions must be made at least 2 years before the person’s retirement date, but no such election may be made—

(a) if the Board has notified him that they require him to retire under article 10 (efficiency) or 11 (disablement), or

(b) if the Board so resolves, unless he has at his own expense undergone a medical examination and satisfied it as to his good health.

(5) An election under this article—

(a) takes effect, subject to paragraph (3)(b), on the day on which the written notice is received by the Board;

(b) continues to have effect notwithstanding any postponement by reason of promotion of the date on which the person could be required to retire on account of age; and

(c) is irrevocable.