How is an MP's pension calculated?

I wish to thank Joe Camilleri, director general, Department of Social Security, for taking the time to answer my letter (Social Security Pension Rate, April 9).

There seems to be misunderstanding between us.

I know that Mr Parliamentary Representative receives a deducted pension, as does Mr Citizen, but could Mr Camilleri please clarify for me the following?

What are we talking about in value terms? What is the minimum and maximum pension for Mr Parliamentary Representative vs Mr Citizen? How is a parliamentary pension calculated? After how many years would an MP qualify for a parliamentary pension? What is being proposed in the new pension reform for our parliamentary representatives?

I do not see any of the above questions as being confidential. After all this is taxpayers' money.

Mr Camilleri quoted Social Security Act Cap 318. How does he explain the fact that during a Labour administration the department had stopped applying this deduction to a number of pensioners and they started to enjoy their full retirement pension?

Regarding my service pension please note that this is foreign money coming into our country while a parliamentary representative is receiving his two pensions from the same honey pot.

I thank Mr Camilleri in advance for his answer.