Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 May 2017
133. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans for payment of compensation for unpurchased pension service for persons at a company (details supplied); the details of such compensation; the timeframe for this to be paid to the persons in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25054/17]
View answer134. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of cases referred to the dispute resolution process for former workers of a company (details supplied) that subsequently made an appeal with regard to the calculation of their compensation offer vis-à-vis contract service. [25055/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.
The mediated agreement for former Waterford Crystal workers covers 1,774 members of the Waterford Crystal Pension Factory and Staff Schemes. The vast majority of former workers have agreed full and final settlements and are in receipt of their payments.
During the mediation process it was agreed by the parties that disputes in relation to individual cases would be referred to an independent dispute resolution process. The dispute resolution procedure is solely and exclusively for individual disputes concerning personal employment information particular to the individual used for the calculation of lump sums and monies in respect of pensionable service as set out in the letter of offer and/or deed of release including scheme service dates and calculations.
A number of the former workers referred to in the questions did make an appeal concerning the calculation of their offer vis. a vis. contract service. These matters raised complex legal and precedential issues. These were examined by the mediator who then made a determination in order to ensure a fair settlement.
I can confirm that my Department has written to all members who made appeals in relation to contract service to advise them of their offers under that mediator’s determination. I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is working actively to bring the matter to a resolution as quickly as possible.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
