Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My direction to the Commission for Aviation Regulation was issued in response to statements made by the commission in its draft determination that it had not received any directions or policy statement notifications by or on behalf of the Government.Accordingly, it was necessary for me to formally clarify that ministerial directions issued previously to the commission remain in place.It is also important that the commission takes on board current government policy. I confirmed to it that the draft national aviation policy, currently being finalised, is to be considered as a statement of present policy. Essentially, this is to ensure the new aviation commissioner is fully cognisant of the Government’s plans for Dublin airport in delivering the overall objectives for the sector and for the wider economy.

The direction I issued is very general in nature, confirming the status of Government policy and the need to protect the financial viability of Dublin Airport in order to implement that policy. However, it is within the commission’s discretion to decide how that is to be accommodated in the final determination. The capital investment plans proposed by the DAA are an operational matter for it in accordance with its statutory responsibilities.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

Resolution of the funding difficulties in the IASS is primarily a matter for the trustees, the companies participating in the scheme, the scheme members and the Pensions Authority. The process currently under way involves all of these stakeholders. I understand that the trustee and the principal employers have recently issued documents in respect of the proposed changes in pension arrangements. These communications mark the commencement of the formal consultation process which the trustee is required by the Pensions Act 1990 to undertake in respect of the reduction in benefits that it is proposing. Each member will also shortly receive a personalised illustration of future pension benefits that it is proposing. The target date for implementation of the proposals remains 31 December 2014.

Huge efforts have been put in by all concerned over many years in an attempt to resolve the scheme's funding problems. A set of proposals has now been put forward which offer the best chance to resolve the long-standing problems of the scheme and give the members certainty about their future pension entitlements. I urge all concerned to accept them.

See this speech in context