Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2015
38. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on Labour Court Recommendation 19293 (details supplied) of 22 July 2008; her views that it should be implemented without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29387/15]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the individuals concerned are the employees of private companies. It is not possible for the State to take over responsibility for funding pension arrangements for employees of private companies, even where those companies are reliant on State funding.
Employers (including CE Sponsoring Organisations) are legally obliged to offer access to at least one Standard Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) under the Pension (Amendment) Act 2002. All CE Sponsoring Organisations were apprised of their responsibilities under this Act at that time.
CE Supervisors may also qualify for the State Pension at 66 years of age. If they have accrued sufficient PRSI contributions (520 contributions @ full rate, equivalent to 10 years contributions) they will qualify for the State Pension (Contributory), which is not means-tested. In the event that there are insufficient contributions, the person will qualify for the State Pension (Non-Contributory), provided they satisfy the means test.
