Conference Report 2016

Section 4: Benefits for Members
Claims Experience
Year
Amount
2008 €6,206,750
2009 €7,105,330
2010 €6,500,542
2011 €6,282,500
2012 €3,016,776
2013 €4,045,000
2014 €2,465,865
2015 €4,657,500
As can be seen above, following a good claims year in
2014, we saw an almost doubling of claims paid in 2015.
One of the most positive influences on any group scheme
is the joining of new young members to keep the average
age of the membership stable. Because there has been
no recruitment for quite a number of years, there have
been no new members joining the scheme and this has
brought about an increase of some 8 years in the average
age of the membership. Now that recruiting, be it at a
lower level than previously, has started again the
eventual inclusion of the new recruits as premium paying
members will be most welcome. On a positive note, at
present the scheme is showing a small positive variance
between premiums paid and claims paid. Our Brokers,
PenPro, will keep the scheme under review and alert the
Association if the claims position deteriorates to such an
extent that it may cause difficulty for the scheme.
The Association believes that in continuing to provide
existing benefits, without interrupting the main
components of the scheme, that the actual cost reflects
good value for money. In keeping with the best ethos and
traditions of the GRA in maintaining a “group scheme”,
we believe that the averaging of costs across the
scheme reflect the caring attitude we have for each
other, and that young and old benefit accordingly.
maternity/unpaid leave
During maternity leave the member and spouse/partner if
applicable, will continue to be covered under the scheme
and premiums will continue to be deducted from pay in
the normal way. In the event of the member then taking
unpaid leave our insurer will continue cover for up to 18
weeks and waive the payment of premium. In the event
of the member not returning to work after the 18 weeks it
is their responsibility to ensure that premium is paid,
otherwise cover will cease.
Career breaks
Members who avail of career breaks will continue to be
covered for Life Assurance benefit under the Scheme,
provided premiums continue to be paid, in advance, on a
yearly basis. Cover will be maintained for a maximum
number of five years.
Spouses life Assurance Scheme – GRA members
Spouses of members of the Garda Representative
Association who are members of the Life Assurance
Scheme are included in the cover arrangement for a
benefit of €115,000 until such time as the member retires
or ceases to be a member of the Association.
The Association has negotiated life cover for partners of
members of the Association and the benefit and terms
are equal to that applicable to spouses of members, i.e.
€115,000.
Records on Database
Members should ensure that their details recorded on the
database at the GRA office are up to date in relation to
their status etc. This is in the member’s/spouse/partner’s
best interest. The Association urges all members to make
a will.
Cessation of Cover
A member ceases to be covered for Life Assurance
benefit when one of the following events occur:
• On survival to his/her 70th birthday
• On his/her leaving, or ceasing to be employed in the
permanent service of the Garda Siochana before the
earliest retirement age except where a member retires
early due to illness.
• On the date which a member ceases to contribute to
the Scheme.
• On the date which a member ceases to be a fully paid
up member of the Garda Representative Association
• Not a member of the relevant scheme on the date of
promotion
• Not a fulltime member of a recognised staff
association in An Garda Siochana thereafter on
promotion.
On perusal of the above terms, I believe you will accept
that all ranks are greatly benefiting from a scheme that is
administered and operated by the Garda Representative
Association. I trust you will agree that this arrangement
represents the best possible terms available as
illustrated by the benefits and premium as outlined
above.
The Association would like to thank all members who
have continued to contribute to the scheme in their own
interests and that of their spouses/partners and families.
38th Annual Delegate Conference
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