Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 June 2012
42 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the Public Service Pension (Single Scheme) Bill has not reached Committee Stage despite Second Stage of the legislation having concluded in October 2011. [28251/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme) and Remuneration Bill is a major, wide-ranging and complex piece of legislation which, as the Deputy is aware, will give effect to a very significant initiative impacting on the pension terms of future new entrants in all areas of the public service including the Civil Service, education sector, health sector, local authorities, Garda, Defence Forces, regulatory sector, non-commercial semi-State bodies, Oireachtas and Judiciary.
The Deputy will know that certain aspects of the Bill, as published, including changes in the remuneration paid to judges, etc., were legislated for in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Amendment) Act 2011. In any event, since publication of the Bill, my officials have been working on a number of amendments in conjunction with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. These amendments are, for the most part, technical in nature and the work involved has now been completed and the Bill's Committee Stage (before the Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform) is scheduled for Thursday, 21 June.
In the period since publication, my officials and I have met on a number of occasions with various union interests representing staff employed throughout the public service. This time has afforded me the opportunity to reflect on certain issues raised at these meetings and some of the amendments I intend to bring forward take into account practical issues raised in discussions.
