Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Dec 2001

Vol. 545 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Pensions.

Seán Ryan

Question:

44 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence when the parallel structure will be established to examine the implications of the final report of the Commission on Public Service Pensions for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30658/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

As I recently indicated to the House, the Government's response to the final report of the Commission on Public Service Pensions was announced by the Minister for Finance on 28 September 2001. The Government decided to accept the thrust of the package of reforms recommended by the commission and to establish the working group to advise on implementation as provided for in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. The operational details of the implementation of the commission's 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 decision. Parallel structures – subject to the same time frame and remit – are to be established in the case of the Defence Forces and Garda Síochána.

I understand that the Department of Finance has had discussions with the public services committee of the ICTU regarding the establishment of the main working group and that the terms of reference have been agreed. It is hoped that a plenary meeting of this working group will be held as soon as possible.

As I have already mentioned, the parallel structures for the Defence Forces will operate to the same time frame and remit as the main working group. Once the final arrangements for the conduct of the business of the main group have been put in place, it would be my intention to get the Defence Forces group up and running without delay.