Results 3,681-3,700 of 32,569 for speaker:Paschal Donohoe
- Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Penalty Points System (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: The Deputy should note that it has, for some time, been an offence to use a vehicle on public roads without a valid NCT certificate. Currently, this is a 'straight-to-court' offence which attracts 5 penalty points on conviction. However, section 10 of the Road Traffic Act 2014, when commenced shortly, will bring this offence within the Fixed Charge Payment System and will...
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: Last Friday, the trustee of the Irish airlines (general employees) superannuation scheme, known as the IASS, applied to the Pensions Authority for a section 50 direction and submitted a funding proposal to address the deficit in the IASS. The trustee requested that I commence with immediate effect sections 32B.(1) and 32B.(5) of the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act 1998, as...
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: I thank all the members for their contributions this evening on this very serious matter. A number of people have put to me whether I appreciate the gravity of this situation. I have met individuals who will be affected by this. I have heard from them on the challenges they face and the pressure they are under. I appreciate the personal consequences that pensioners and workers are facing...
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: There is a point that follows on from all of this in terms of the process. Let us emphasise what has happened here. Based on all of the work that has gone on, which has involved every labour body in this country and an expert panel and a huge amount of work from the employers and all concerned, the trustees have written to me saying they believe this to be the best outcome to be secured.
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: The trustees have written to me looking for this. I am conscious of the consequences people are facing here. There are two questions I would ask. How can anyone in this House be certain that a different outcome exists that is better than what is on the table at the moment? One that has less risk for people?
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: Senator O'Brien belittles the gravity of this situation-----
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: -----by standing up and making a point like this.
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: I have come in here to respond-----
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: The Senator knows I agreed to come to the House-----
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: -----as quickly as I could in a format determined by it.
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: Let me conclude by responding to the issue affecting so many families. This issue has gone on for decades.
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: We now face a situation where we have a deficit of between €750 million and €800 million. That is the scale of the issue we face. The trustees wrote to me to say that, on the basis of all the work that has been done and all of the engagement that has taken place, they believe this to be the best outcome achievable in these circumstances.
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: As people are aware, some workers have voted on it. This application will go to the Pensions Authority, an independent body, which will make a decision in this regard. I have met people who are affected by this and who have paid into this scheme. Given the scale of the deficit and all of the work underway to deal with this, how can anybody be certain that more funding would be secured to...
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: If there is nothing to take its place, let me emphasise again-----
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: These are questions with which I have to grapple. This is the work the trustees have done and this is the process which has been undertaken. There is a deficit of €750 million which has a material affect on people. The employers, the unions, an expert panel and nearly every labour relations body in the country has worked to deliver-----
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: Those who say a different course of action should be found must consider the fact more funding has been found from employers-----
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: -----during this process as a result of the expert panel. I have to ask one question in regard to this. What would the alternative process be given where we stand now? From where could extra funding be found to make this better for people who are affected by this?
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: I responded to communication I received from the trustees who said they believed this was the best outcome that could be achieved in the circumstances.
- Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: This application will now go to the Pensions Authority, which will make a decision in regard to it.
- Water Sector Reforms: Motion (Resumed) (19 Nov 2014)
Paschal Donohoe: I listened with interest to what Deputy Collins said and was reminded of her previous speeches on bin charges.