Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 3

Written Answers. - Pension Entitlements.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

123 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the reason a payment from the special fund, payable to night telephonists on retirement, was not made to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28300/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

This person has already written to the pensions section in Eircom and has been replied to in relation to the matter. The person is not entitled to any further payment following on from the 1993 voluntary severance scheme.

In 1993 a voluntary severance scheme was introduced whereby full-time staff who wished to avail of the scheme were given nine weeks pay per year of service plus a pension lump sum in lieu of any superannuation entitlements. Part-time staff who availed of the scheme received nine weeks pay per year of service only, as they had no superannuation entitlements.

In 1996 a new scheme was introduced, giving a reduced package of seven weeks pay, per year of service, plus a lump sum to full-time staff and seven weeks pay per year of service only, to part-time staff.

The company felt, afterwards, that the part-time staff who availed of the 1996 scheme had lost out somewhat. A once off compensation payment from the special fund, formerly the Minister's fund, was given to three members of staff who came under this category.

As this person availed of the 1993 scheme and received the full nine weeks pay per year of service, I have been informed that there is no further payment.