At the request of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Expert Panel was asked to re-engage with SIPTU and ICTU in relation to matters dealt with in its June 2014 report on its review the Irish Aviation Superannuation Scheme (IASS), including the actuarial assumptions, and to provide clarity on those matters. There were also discussions immediately before Christmas between the two Departments, members of the Expert Panel and ICTU in relation to this engagement which helped to refine the areas of focus for the Panel.
On 9 March last, the Expert Panel presented its Final Determination on the resolution of the industrial relations issues. The Report states that the unions have confirmed that the June 2014 Report, together with the Panel's Final Determination, will be put to an immediate ballot/reballot of all members to be conducted as quickly as possible. The Report also states that the unions confirmed that it will be made clear to members that this outcome is the absolute best that can be achieved in negotiations.
I wish to express my thanks to the Expert Panel for completing its work in such an effective and efficient manner and to all parties that engaged so constructively in the process.