Vol. 498 No. 3
41 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if payments can be made on account to pensioners awaiting the rationalisation of the various pension schemes in relation to salaried officers and clerks in CIE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26918/98]
The Deputy will recall that he raised this issue with me during Question Time in the Dáil on 10 November last.
I hope that the legal problems which are holding up the amalgamation of the CIE salaried superannuation schemes will be resolved through the passage of primary legislation at the earliest available opportunity. I have no direct involvement in the payment of pensions by CIE but I have inquired as to what pension entitlements are outstanding to the pensioners who would qualify for enhanced benefits under the amalgamation. I am advised by CIE that no increases in the regular annuity payments will arise as a result of the amalgamation.
I understand that, by and large, the benefits arising from the amalgamation relate to increases in the pension lump sums, payable on retirement, in respect of some members who retired after 1 January 1994. These increases arise from a proposed change in the formula used for calculating such lump sums. In the circumstances CIE would be reluctant to make ex gratia payments or payments on account in these cases.
