Labour Court Recommendations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2016

Wednesday, 6 April 2016

Questions (204, 205)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

204. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason a Labour Court recommendation of 22 July 2008 (details supplied), which stated that an agreed pension scheme should be introduced for community employment scheme supervisors and assistant supervisors, has not been acted upon; his views that while Foras Áiseanna Saothair, the Irish National Training and Employment Authority, was the recognised funding agency at the time, he now fulfils this role; if it is acceptable that almost seven years have passed since the Labour Court recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5747/16]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

205. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will put a pension scheme in place for community employment supervisors and assistant supervisors, as per the Labour Court recommendation of July 2008 (details supplied); if he will make the scheme retroactive to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5748/16]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.

As the Deputy will be aware unions representing CE Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors have sought the provision of Exchequer funding to implement a Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme dating back to 2008. However the position has remained that it is not possible for the State to provide funding for such a scheme to employees of private companies even if those companies are or were reliant on State funding.   

Notwithstanding this the matter has remained under review and I held a constructive meeting with SIPTU and IMPACT trade unions in relation to this matter. Having listened to their respective positions I have reconvened the Community Sector High Level Forum which ceased operation some years ago in order that this matter is fully examined, having regard to costs and precedent.

The forum commenced its work on 27 November 2015.  A further meeting of this Forum is scheduled to take place shortly.