Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1997

Vol. 483 No. 6

Written Answers. - Pension Entitlements.

Bernard Allen

Question:

135 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if he will have investigations made into a situation where staff members of CIE, who transfer to employment with Aer Lingus or Aer Rianta, are not in a position to link their services for pension purposes, in accordance with the Superannuation and Pension Act, 1963; if he will have investigations made into the situation of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is therefore not getting his full pension entitlements in view of this defect in the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21534/97]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

Aer Lingus, Aer Rianta and Córas Iompair Éireann are parties to an arrangement under the Superannuation and Pensions Act, 1963, under which pensionable services is transferred between semi-State companies.

CIE operate on a knock-for-knock basis, i.e. transfers of service operate without any transfer payments. However, both Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta require the payment of commensurate funds from the CIE pensions scheme for regular wages staff before they will grant credit for past CIE pensionable service.

There is ongoing contact between the parties and I expect them to reach a mutually acceptable arrangement in the near future.

Enda Kenny

Question:

136 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will indicate the future for the peat burning station at Bellacorick, County Mayo in view of her recent announcement regarding the development of a new peat burning station in the midlands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21315/97]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The Bellacorick peat-fired power station was commissioned by ESB in 1962-63 and as owner of the station, its future is a matter for ESB in the first instance.

I have received no proposals from ESB regarding the future of this generating station.