Pension Provisions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2015

Tuesday, 16 June 2015

Ceisteanna (219)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

219. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason the Labour Court recommendation of 22 July 2008 by a person (details supplied), that stated that an agreed pension scheme should be introduced for community employment scheme supervisors and assistant supervisors, has not been acted upon to date; if she acknowledges, that while Foras Áiseanna Saothair – the Irish National Training and Employment Authority - was the recognised funding agency at the time, her Department now fulfils that role; her views that it is acceptable that almost seven years has passed since the Labour Court recommendation, without any action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23852/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection (Deputy Kevin Humphreys)

The Deputy will be aware that Community Employment (CE) supervisors are the employees of private companies. In the circumstances, it is not possible for the State to take over responsibility for funding pension arrangements for employees of private companies, even where those companies are reliant on State funding. This position was confirmed by the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform (D/PER) to this Department in March of this year.

The D/PER’s position is that private companies contracted by the State to provide a service, including those in the community sector, must manage their expenditure pressures, including labour and pension costs, from within existing funding levels.