New scales of clergy and pension stipends

Robert Neill, chairman of the Representative Body Executive Committee, addressed Standing Committee at its recent meeting on both matters.

In accordance with the Constitution of the Church of Ireland, Minimum Approved Stipends shall be as follows with effect from 1 January 2012:

(a) No stipend shall be less than £26,008 per annum in Northern Ireland or €36,219 per annum in the Republic of Ireland in the case of an Incumbent or a member of the clergy appointed as Bishop’s Curate under the provisions of Section 42 of Chapter IV or of a Diocesan Curate over the age of 30 years appointed under the provisions of Section 43 of Chapter IV.

(b) The stipend for a Curate-Assistant shall be in accordance with the following scale:

First Year 75.0% of minimum stipend for incumbent


Second Year 77.5% ”


Third Year 80.0% ”


Fourth Year 82.5% ”


Fifth and succeeding Years 85.0% ”

The figure for Northern Ireland stipend reflects the inflationary situation in Northern Ireland and represents a 2% increase.

The rates for Pensionable Stipend have followed consultation with the Church of Ireland Clergy Pensions Trustee Limited, which has taken actuarial advice.

It was also agreed in accord with the Constitution, that the Pensionable Stipend shall be as follows with effect from 1 January 2012:

(a) Pensionable Stipend shall be £25,498 per annum in Northern Ireland and €36,219 per annum in the Republic of Ireland in the case of an Incumbent or a member of the clergy appointed as Bishop’s Curate under the provisions of Section 42 of Chapter IV or of a Diocesan Curate over the age of 30 years appointed under the provisions of Section 43 of Chapter IV.

Pensionable Stipend for a Curate-Assistant shall be in accordance with the following scale:

First Year 75.0% of Pensionable Stipend for incumbent

Second Year 77.5%

Third Year 80.0%

Fourth Year 82.5%

Fifth and succeeding Years 85.0%

Source