Vol. 532 No. 4
468 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the implications for Ireland of a European Court of Justice ruling in respect of the pension rights of part-time workers; and the plans he has prepared to meet Ireland's obligations under the ruling. [7998/01]
I am considering a report from the Pensions Board on pensions equal treat ment issues generally to be addressed in the forthcoming pensions Bill and the implications of the European Court of Justice ruling to which the Deputy refers will be looked at in that context.
I should also draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, is currently overseeing the passage of the Protection of Employees (Part-Time) Work Bill through the Oireachtas to implement the provisions of the European Union directive on part-time workers. This directive essentially provides that part-time workers may not be treated less favourably than their full-time counterparts in relation to the terms and conditions of employment, including pensions. The pensions aspects of this directive will also be addressed in the context of work on the new pensions Bill.
