The issue raised by the Deputy relates to the co-ordination of the Irish airlines (general employees) superannuation scheme with social welfare benefits which commenced in April 1970.
Issues concerning the co-ordination of pension and social welfare benefits are matters for my colleague, the Minister for Finance. He considers that in assessing overall pension entitlements, co-ordinated staff such as those in Aer Lingus fare very well in comparison to staff whose pensions are not co-ordinated with social welfare benefits. He, therefore, does not consider that there is any justification for a review of the co-ordination arrangements or the making of any concessions in this regard.
The task force which I have asked the chairmen of Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta to establish, will examine concerns which have been expressed to me by a number of Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta pensioners about the Irish airlines (general employees) superannuation scheme. The task force will submit a report to me as soon as possible which clearly sets out what are the concerns about the existing scheme.
