Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014
605. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the Irish airline superannuation scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27996/14]
View answerThe details supplied with this Question concern certain provisions of the State Airports (Shannon Group) Bill 2014.
This Bill includes, in section 34, amendments to existing statutory provisions governing the State airport authorities' superannuation schemes, including the Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme. These amendments are to facilitate implementation of whatever proposals emerge from the recent discussions among the parties to resolve the current difficulties in this Scheme. There has been some concerns about certain provisions in that section which were originally drafted to provide a "fall-back" position. However, I indicated in the Dail at Second Stage last week that I will be tabling an amendment in Committee Stage on Thursday, 3 July 2014, to delete these "fall-back" provisions.
The problems with this scheme have long been recognised and there now exists an opportunity to resolve them. I urge all parties to give very careful consideration to the Report by the Expert Panel set up to find a solution to the industrial relations issues relating to the scheme. The Report's recommendations can be used by the parties as the basis for constructive engagement and to achieve a resolution in the best interests of all. While some of the decisions that will be required will be challenging, all should bear in mind the view of the Expert Panel that its recommendations represent the best possible outcome that can be achieved.
