Public Sector Pensions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2015

Thursday, 7 May 2015

Ceisteanna (208)

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

208. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will reverse the harmful cuts introduced by the Government in respect of the Electricity Supply Board's retired staff pension entitlements, which have severely disadvantaged pensioners; if he supports the rights of these pensioners to engage in meaningful negotiations with their former employer and the trustees of the pension schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18025/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The ESB General Employees’ Superannuation Scheme is the scheme through which pensions for the majority of employees in the electricity business are funded. The fund is vested in trustees nominated by ESB and its members for the sole benefit of employees and their dependents. The Scheme is a defined benefit scheme and is registered as such with the Pensions Authority (formerly the Pensions Board). The issue of management of and attendance at meetings convened in respect of operation of the pension scheme is a matter for the Trustees of the Pension Fund and not one in which I have a role or function.