Pension increases in commercial semi-State bodies are primarily a matter for the body itself. As regards the area for which I have direct responsibility, the civil and public service, the position has been that, since the 1960s, pension increases have been linked to pay. In practice, pensions are calculated and subsequently increased by reference to the rates of pay of serving officials. Full parity has applied, on this basis, since 1986.
As regards the restructuring deals currently being negotiated under the PCW, they are, in the main, being dealt with under Option A of Clause 2 (iii) of Annex I to the PCW which requires "changes in structures, work practices or other conditions of service" and "flexibility and change" by employees. The various Option A deals differ widely from each other in their structure and the outcome of talks has still to be finalised in the case of several major public service groups.