Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
599. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if any consideration will be given to community employment scheme supervisors who retired prior to the 2008 reference year in order to allow them to receive the CE ex-gratia payment (details supplied). [37222/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, Community Employment (CE) supervisors and CE assistant supervisors have been seeking for several years through their union representatives, SIPTU and Forsa, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme for CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors who are employed by CE scheme sponsoring organisations.
Last December, agreement was reached between the Department of Social Protection and unions representing CE supervisors and assistant supervisors that resolves this long-standing issue through the payment of a once off ex-gratia payment to eligible CE supervisors and assistant supervisors. On the 23rd December 2021, both unions involved confirmed acceptance of this settlement which will benefit approximately 2,500 people employed by CE schemes going back to 2008. It is estimated to have a total cost of over €24 million.
Generally, under the terms of this settlement, on reaching retirement age, eligible CE supervisors and assistant supervisors will receive a once off ex-gratia payment in respect of time employed by CE schemes since 2008. People who retired since 2008 and who have reached retirement age are now able to apply for this payment. CE supervisors and assistant supervisors who retire on ill health grounds can also apply for the payment subject to the provision of supporting documents and medical evidence.
As agreed with the unions, the start date for the qualifying period of employment for the scheme is aligned with the year of the Labour Court recommendation in 2008. Accordingly, the settlement does not apply to periods of employment prior to 1st July 2008.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
