Vol. 445 No. 9
214 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that different pension entitlements apply to former pensioners of Bord Gáis Éireann compared to those now reaching pension age; and the policy initiatives, if any, he will take to deal with this problem. [1319/94]
As a result of significant productivity deal negotiated in 1992, Bord Gáis has provided enhanced benefits to the workforce affected by that agreement. This productivity scheme which was self-financing brought the level of benefits for employees up to that of other public service sector schemes. Employees who retired prior to the implementation of the productivity scheme retired on the terms and conditions then prevailing. While changes in the pension scheme would be a matter for Bord Gáis Éireann in the first instance I understand that the cost of providing enhanced benefits to former employees who retired prior to the 1992 Agreement would be extremely expensive and could not be justified.
