Pat Cox
Question:84 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for Finance the estimated present value of future Exchequer liability in respect of pensions for An Post.
Written Answers. - Future State Liability for Pensions.
Pat Cox
Question:85 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for Finance the estimated present value of future Exchequer liability in respect of pensions for Telecom Éireann.
Pat Cox
Question:86 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for Finance whether, in respect of any future State liability for pensions for An Post, any funding or part funding is to be contributed by the employer or employees in question or whether the total liability falls on the State.
Pat Cox
Question:88 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for Finance whether, in respect of any future State liability for pensions for Telecom Éireann, any funding or part funding is to be contributed by the employer or employees in question, or whether the total liability falls on the State.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 85, 86 and 88 together.
The provision of superannuation benefits to staff of An Post and Telecom Éireann is governed by the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983 and the Articles of Association of the companies. In accordance with these provisions the companies fund only in respect of service given since 1 January 1984 (vesting day). The Minister for Finance is required to contribute towards the cost of benefits related to service given in the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs before vesting day.
Work is proceeding in my Department in consultation with the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications to establish the extent of the Exchequer's liabilities. As the matter is extremely complex I am not in a position to give any estimates at this time.