Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2018
206. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the community employment scheme pension provision as per the Labour Court recommendation whereby community employment supervisors and assistant supervisors were deemed entitled to certain pension arrangements (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2142/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity Employment (CE) scheme supervisors are employees of private companies in the community and voluntary sector. The State is not responsible for funding pension arrangements for such employees even where the companies in question are reliant on State funding. It is open to individuals to make provision for a pension by way of PRSA which all employers are obliged to facilitate.
My Department was neither party to or bound by the Labour Court Recommendation (LCR19293). Nevertheless, it should be noted that the issue of CE supervisors’ pension provision is currently being examined by a Community Sector High Level Forum, chaired by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. My Department is represented on this group, as are IMPACT, SIPTU, Pobal and other relevant Government Departments.
The Forum last met on 23 November 2017 and I understand that a paper outlining the costs involved was presented. The unions have agreed to review and revert as soon as possible. Following on from this, a meeting is to be arranged between the trade unions and my colleague, Pascal Donohoe T.D. Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
