To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland with reference to the answer of 24 November 2008, Official Report, column 882W, on departmental pensions, what the reasons are for the increases in the cost of pension contributions in each year. (243230)

There are three reasons which account for the increases in the cost of pension contributions in each year. Increases in scheme membership, salaries paid and employer’s accruing superannuation liability charges.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland with reference to the answer of 24 November 2008, Official Report, column 882W, on departmental pensions, what the future projections are of the cost of pension contributions incurred in each financial year up to 2015. (243233)

The Northern Ireland Office has not projected the future estimated cost of departmental pension contributions that may be incurred, beyond the 2008-09 financial year.