Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 October 2018

Wednesday, 17 October 2018

Questions (226, 227)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

226. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to establish an independent review group within her Department to assess the level and impact of cuts suffered by all categories of members in a scheme (details supplied) due to changes in legislation, and in particular the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2014, and subsequent reductions in members' benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42685/18]

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

227. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the substantial cuts imposed on members of a pension scheme (details supplied) in advance of the sale of the State's stake in Aer Lingus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42689/18]

Written answers

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 227 together.

I am aware of the reduction in pension benefits for members of the IASS pension scheme. However, the Deputy will appreciate that I cannot intervene in the pension arrangements applying to a particular pension scheme and such arrangements are a matter for the pension scheme trustee, the companies participating in the scheme, the scheme members and the Pensions Authority.

As the Deputy is aware, there is currently a case before the Courts in relation to the IASS pension scheme. Therefore it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on this scheme.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.