Vol. 527 No. 1
40 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she is in a position to meet the concerns of the Retired Aviation Staff Association in relation to the Irish Airlines general employees superannuation scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27670/00]
62 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the outcome of her recent meeting with the chairmen of Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta concerning the pension rate for retired personnel of Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27879/00]
I propose to answer Question Nos. 40 and 62 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to Questions Nos. 169 and 183 dated 28 November 2000 on this matter. I meet the chairmen of Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta on an ongoing basis in relation to a wide range of issues concerning the companies. In this context I have taken up the concerns of pensioners in my meetings since this matter was first brought to my attention.
I have impressed on the chairmen that while fully aware of the commercial imperatives under which the companies concerned operate and the cost implications of pension enhancements, I would nevertheless hope that the agreed terms of any new schemes which emerge from the negotiations between existing staff and the companies on pensions will enable pensioners concerns to be addressed as much as possible. My Department will monitor the negotiations with particular regard to the concerns of retired staff in the context of new schemes.
