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Pension Provisions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 April 2014

Tuesday, 15 April 2014

Questions (704)

Finian McGrath

Question:

704. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position of the Irish aviation superannuation scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) on the north side of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17890/14]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport I have no formal function in relation to the resolution of the funding difficulties of the IAS Scheme. This is primarily a matter for the trustees, the members of the scheme, the companies participating in the scheme and the regulator of such pension schemes - the Pensions Authority. I understand that both deferred and pensioner members have organised representative groups and the Expert Panel has met both groups. Furthermore the trustees, who are central to any solution to the funding difficulties, are required by law to act in the best interests of all members, be they active, deferred or pensioner members.

The Expert Panel, established to carry out an urgent investigation of how a final resolution of the industrial relations issues relating to the Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme (IASS) can be secured, gave an update last Friday (April 11th) to officials of my Department, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ibec and Congress on progress to date.  The Panel confirmed that:

- It is continuing to concentrate its efforts on engagement with DAA, Aer Lingus and the trade unions involved on critical issues which are being explored by the Panel with the parties through an outline of positions from the employers and the development of responses now being coordinated through Congress on behalf of the unions.

- It will be continuing its engagement with the parties over the coming weeks to complete its investigation of how a final resolution of the complex industrial relations issues concerning the IASS can be achieved.

- These discussions are taking place in the context of the separate Labour Court Recommendations in May 2013 in the cases of DAA and Aer Lingus, the IASS Trustee Proposal in February 2014 and the stated position of the parties. 

A further report from the Panel is expected in early May.  It is important that the discussions and deliberations underway be allowed to proceed without interference so that a resolution can be found to this long-standing and complex issue. The significant deficit in the IAS scheme has arisen over the years as the companies and the members did not put enough into the scheme to match the benefits that were expected/promised.  Resolution of the issues will involve contributions from all the parties involved.

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