Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 6

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Seán Ryan

Question:

84 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the terms of reference and the membership of the working party to advise on the implementation of the Final Report of the Commission on Public Service Pensions; when he expects that the working party will report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25363/01]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

I announced the Government's response to the Final Report of the Commission on Public Service Pensions on 28 September 2001.

The Government has decided to accept the thrust of the package of reforms recommended by the commission. It intends to establish the working group to advise on implementation as provided for in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.

The social partners agreed as part of that programme to establish an advisory working group of the public service unions, relevant Departments and other appropriate parties with a view to implementing, as quickly as possible, any proposed changes in public service pension arrangements arising from the commission's report, including those for low paid workers. My Department is currently in discussion with the public services committee of the ICTU about union participation on the working group. I wish to see the working group up and running as soon as possible so that we can move ahead with necessary changes in public service pension arrangements. The operational details of the implementation of the commission recommendations will be agreed by Government following receipt of a report from the implementation working group, to be made within six months of the Government's decision.

Parallel structures – subject to the same timeframe and remit – will be established in the case of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. Arrangements will also be made to facilitate pensioner group representation in relation to the commission recommendations on pensions increase policy.