Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
77. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that all community employment supervisors are now receiving their pension entitlements following the Labour Court recommendations. [33385/14]
View answer145. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she has met with unions with regard to correspondence received (details supplied) regarding pension entitlements; the outcome of these meetings; whether she will change her position on the payment of severance to CE supervisors with regard to Labour Court recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34435/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 145 together.
The Labour Court recommended in July 2008 that an agreed pension scheme should be introduced for community employment (CE) scheme supervisors and assistant supervisors, and that such a scheme should be adequately funded by FÁS. This matter has been the subject of discussions between this Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the unions representing CE supervisors. Implementation of the claim is not considered sustainable in light of the current and on-going fiscal environment and the requirement to contain and reduce public expenditure. The Deputy should note that the Department of Social Protection, formerly FÁS, is not the employer of CE supervisors and such employees are not public servants. Neither was FÁS a party to the Labour Court dispute on this matter at the time it was determined. The responsibilities of the sponsoring organisations and the individuals concerned must be recognised when considering pension provision arrangements. I have no proposals to engage with the Unions on this matter at this time.
