Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 November 2020
174. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport the reason the terms of the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, 1996 pension scheme were amended in 2012 without a collective agreement of the staff of the IAA when a mediated collective agreement was in place until 31 December 2018. [39337/20]
View answer175. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport the reason the IAA pension scheme changes did not reflect the collective agreements in place at the time; and the reason staff were not informed. [39338/20]
View answer176. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport the reason pension payment increases have not been awarded given the exceptional profitability of the IAA since 2015; and the authority under which IAA management decide not to award them. [39339/20]
View answer177. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport the reason the IAA hybrid pension scheme is being operated without agreement and outside the requirements of the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993. [39340/20]
View answer178. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport the reason the pension benefits of the IAA hybrid pension scheme were amended without the members of the scheme being informed. [39341/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 174 to 178, inclusive, together.
I can confirm that a submission has been made on behalf of some staff of the Irish Aviation Authority in accordance with Section 41 of the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993 in respect of the IAA 1996 pension scheme. Section 41 provides that a dispute on superannuation benefit may be submitted to the Minister for Transport. I am not able to comment on the details of that submission at this point but can advise the Deputy that it will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
No such submission has been made in respect of the IAA Hybrid scheme. In general, a dispute that arises on the superannuation scheme is a matter between the members of the scheme, the Trustees of the scheme and the company. If agreement cannot be reached Section 41 provides a further option in the case of the IAA.
