Vol. 485 No. 2
48 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when she will be in a position to sign off on the agreement for the nationalisation of the various pension schemes in relation to salaried officers and clerks in CIE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22770/97]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the restructuring proposals for the superannuation schemes which apply to CIE salaried staff. These include the merging of the existing pension schemes and funds together with benefit improvements in so far as the new fund permits.
Amending schemes were drafted to give effect to the necessary restructuring of the salaried staff superannuation schemes. However, during the course of the examination of the draft amending schemes by the Attorney General's Office, legal technicalities were identified which necessitated considerable detailed attention. This process is now almost complete and I hope I will shortly receive approved texts from the Attorney General's Office. I will then be in a position to advise CIE to proceed with the normal processing arrangements as required by statute.
I confirm that, irrespective of the length of time it takes to complete those arrangements, the agreed terms of the new scheme include a provision for an effective date of 1 January 1994.
