Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 1

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Seán Ryan

Question:

144 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the task force she requested Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta to set up to gather information on the concerns of interested parties with the Irish airlines (general employees) superannuation scheme is perceived by the companies' pensioners as not addressing the fact that they receive pension increases well below those received in other State companies and in the public sector generally which is due to the uniquely low level of employer contribution to the scheme; and if she will ensure that this matter is rectified before any privatisation proposals are considered. [3698/00]

Seán Ryan

Question:

145 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the fact that retired staff of Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta receive only a fraction of the pension increases awarded generally in the public sector and that the inability of their pension scheme to award earnings indexed pension increases is due to the low level of employer contribution to the scheme; and the steps, if any, she will take to bring Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta pensions into line with other employment. [3699/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.

I have not yet received a report from the chairmen of Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta on the work of the task force established by the chairmen to 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. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate for me to comment in advance of the chairmen's report on this particular matter.

Noel Ahern

Question:

146 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will give an update on the proposals to amend the CIE pension scheme for regular wages staff in relation to increasing the retirement gratuity; the timetable for completion of the process; if the benefits of the increase will apply to those who retired since amendments commenced; the date in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3742/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

In accordance with section 44 of the Transport Act, 1950, as amended, CIE has submitted proposals to my Department for improvements in the lump sum gratuity which is payable to members of the pension scheme for regular wages staff.

The proposals, including the proposed operative date for the improved measures, are currently being considered by my Department in consultation with the Department of Finance. It is intended that any revised conditions would apply to all members of the scheme who retire after the operative date. While I am not in a position to state, at this stage, when the process will be completed, I assure the Deputy that the matter will be dealt with expeditiously.