Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

The provision, as drafted, provides that the Minister shall ensure the superannuation schemes are laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as practicable after such a scheme is approved. Section 22 provides that either House of the Oireachtas may annul a superannuation scheme. The text is in line with the standard provisions of legislation relating to similar State bodies and I am satisfied that the text of the Bill should remain unchanged.

The Deputy's proposal in amendment No. 61 is not consistent with standard corporate governance requirements imposed on similar bodies. Superannuation schemes in respect of State bodies are subject to the approval of the Minister for Finance in addition to the approval of the parent Department. This process ensures the provisions of a scheme are in line with legislative provisions governing such schemes for the public sector. There is no need for either amendment.

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