Seán Canney
Ceist:69. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection when the agreed gratuity payments will be paid to CE supervisors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53771/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 29 November 2022
Ceisteanna (69)
Freagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that a final settlement was reached with unions at the end of 2021 to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme for CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors who are employed by CE scheme sponsoring organisations. The settlement resolves this long-standing issue through the payment of a once off ex-gratia payment to eligible CE supervisors and assistant supervisors. Some 2,500 people employed by CE schemes going back to 2008 will benefit at an estimated total cost of over €24 million. Generally, under the terms of this settlement, on reaching retirement age, eligible CE supervisors and assistant supervisors will receive a once off ex-gratia payment in respect of time employed by CE schemes since 2008. People who have already retired since 2008 and who have reached retirement age can now apply for this payment.
Over the past number of months, an administrative and ICT system to accept applications and process payments was put in place within the Department of Social Protection. The first group of ex-gratia applications have been received - these relate to persons who retired since 2008. In total, 624 completed applications have been received to date, with 480 of these processed and ready for payment. The balance are being worked on at present with a view to having them ready for payment as soon as possible.Following Government approval earlier this month, legislative provisions to provide for these payments have been included in the Social Welfare Budget Bill, which will once enacted facilitate the payment of processed applications. It is my intention that these payments will issue before the Christmas break. Recipients will receive notification when their payments are issuing.Processing and payment of claims for people who retire during 2023 will continue as they retire and submit their claims.
Questions Nos. 70 to 75, inclusive, answered orally.