Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2016
628. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health to examine the decision by the Central Remedial Clinic to close an employee pension fund; to address the concerns raised by staff; to examine if the affected workers can be transferred into a public sector scheme similar to the majority of other workers in the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12541/16]
View answer630. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that a number of employees of the Central Remedial Clinic were informed that their pension plan was dissolved as of 18 May 2016 and that this was only communicated to the affected employees after the pension was dissolved; his plans to address the concerns of the affected employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12613/16]
View answer633. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to retrospectively transfer staff at the Central Remedial Clinic, whose pension plan has been dissolved, into the standard public service pension given that they are de facto State employees and given the fact that as it currently stands, staff will lose their pensions if the State does not step in. [13376/16]
View answer635. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a decision by the Central Remedial Clinic to close a staff pension fund, affecting many workers and pensioners; if he will ensure that those workers and pensioners will not lose their long-standing pension entitlements; the recourse open to these workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13537/16]
View answer680. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he or the Health Service Executive are aware that 50 staff members with long service in the Central Remedial Clinic have been informed that their pension plan liabilities have exceeded its assets and management have decided unilaterally to wind up the scheme, which will result in undue hardship to these staff with long service who have made contributions to the scheme for many decades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12800/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 628, 630, 633, 635 and 680 together.
The Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) is funded by the Health Service Executive under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004 and employs in the region of 287 employees. It is understood that 47 employees are members of the funded pension scheme in question.
Following receipt of information from the CRC in relation to the wind up of the scheme the CRC was requested, as a matter of urgency, to seek a viable alternative proposal in conjunction with the HSE. This proposal will then be submitted for approval to my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The latter is responsible for Government policy in relation to public service pensions. Pension schemes and pension terms for public servants generally require the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The CRC has indicated that it will submit detailed proposals to the HSE shortly in relation to this matter.
