Pension Provisions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2018

Wednesday, 31 January 2018

Questions (283)

Willie Penrose

Question:

283. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in the context of recent communications submitted to his Department regarding the situation pertaining to the regular wages scheme and the 1951 superannuation scheme, he plans to put in place an independently chaired stakeholder forum incorporating all of the interested parties to discuss and propose solutions in a collective fashion with a view towards ensuring that all the members of both schemes can avail of their pension entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4923/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Issues in relation to Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees.

In a Topical Issues debate in this House on 6 December 2017, I outlined the challenges faced in addressing the solvency of the schemes and the process underway to address the deficit which involves detailed discussion between CIÉ and employee representatives, facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). I said that CIÉ was on record at the WRC that it will not impose any change that it proposes without the agreement of the active members of both schemes and that it will continue to contribute to both schemes in accordance with the rules of the schemes. I am informed that this remains CIÉ's position in order to bring about a set of proposals that could form the basis of the trustees' submission to the Pensions Authority and that it continues to engage with the WRC.

In recent days, I received a copy of the correspondence addressed to CIÉ referred to by the Deputy and I will reply when I have had an opportunity to consider the issues raised.