Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 7

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Noel Ahern

Question:

196 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if senior civil servants and semi-State officials covered by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector have automatic pension rights or entitlements to all increases implemented under recommendations from this body; the complaints, if any, of difficulties in this regard; and if an acceptable third post arbitrator will be established to adjudicate on disputes of this nature in view of the fact that the Labour Court cannot involve itself in the case of occupational pensioners. [15231/98]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The pensions of civil servants who retired from grades covered by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector are increased, as appropriate, on the basis of parity. As regards the wider public sector, the primary responsibility for pension increases rests with individual organisations but the general practice is that parity also applies, as appropriate. My Department is, of course, available to advise such organisations on the application of parity where difficulties arise. In this regard my Department has dealt with a number of cases which have been referred to it over the years.

Under the conciliation and arbitration scheme for civil servants the superannuation terms of established civil servants are not arbitrable and, accordingly, it would not be appropriate to provide such arrangements for pensioners. However, pension matters, including parity, are discussed on a regular basis with the representatives of retired civil and public servants.