Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

In respect of the institutions like the universities whose pension funds were taken over, the Minister took over the assets, basically giving an off-balance sheet benefit to the State in terms of assets, but he did not take on the liabilities. The universities have powers and apparently it is the practice among some of them to give added years of service when certain staff are retiring, perhaps in recognition of their contribution to the institution. Could the Minister tell me if that practice is widespread and, if so, is a cost identified with it? Is there any oversight of when added years of service are given? I was a bit surprised to see that.

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