Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 29 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 2

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Dick Spring

Ceist:

81 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties in attracting good calibre staff to voluntary organisations in the physical and sensory disability sector in view of the absence of a pension scheme; if he will give positive consideration to providing financial assistance in funding this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2205/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Health boards make an annual grant under section 65 of the Health Act, 1970, to organisations such as those referred to by the Deputy as a contribution towards their running costs, of which the cost of a pension scheme is an element. Any increase in an organisation's section 65 grant is a matter for negotiation with the relevant health board.