asked the Minister for Labour the reason his Department and FÁS are reneging on a decision made with members of the FÁS staff who joined the organisation from industry in the late 1960s and early 1970s, who were informed that they could purchase additional years to be of benefit to them when they went on pension and who find two years later that this deal is not being honoured; if he will, in particular, consider the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - FÁS Staff Superannuation.
136.
I understand that terms for the purchase of additional years for superannuation benefit proposed for introduction by An Chomhairle Oiliúna prior to the establishment of An Foras Áiseanna Saothair were not consistent with public service norms and did not secure the necessary statutory approval of the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Labour.
I have initiated discussions between officials of my Department, the Department of Finance and An Foras with a view to responding to the outstanding superannuation issues in respect of former AnCO staff which had not been finalised before the establishment of An Foras.
I do not propose to comment further on this matter pending the outcome of these discussions.