Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 3

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Michael Noonan

Question:

102 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise is she has received the report of the task force examining the Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta pensions scheme; her views on whether pensions for retired Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta staff should be indexed to pay increases rather than the consumer price index; if she will have arrangements made for an immediate capital injection to the pension funds; if she will take all necessary steps to ensure adequate funding of the funds in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10127/00]

Seán Haughey

Question:

104 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the reason retired employees of Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta were not represented on the task force established to examine concerns expressed by pensioners in relation to the Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme; when this task force will report; if the task force will make recommendations; if further negotiations will take place when the report is published; if so, if the pensioners will be part of these negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9987/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 104 together.

The task force, established in December 1999, is working to terms of reference drawn up by Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta. Representation on the task force is a matter entirely for the chairmen of the companies concerned.

I understand the task force has concluded the extensive process of taking submissions, both written and oral, from interested groups and it is having the issues and concerns costed as appropriate. Once this exercise is complete, the task force will document its findings and submit them to Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta who will then revert to me.

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.

It would be inappropriate for me to comment further in advance of receiving that report.