Seanad debates

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011: Second Stage

 

1:00 pm

Photo of John WhelanJohn Whelan (Labour)

------currently before the House, in his reference to the Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock, and the copyright issue.

I also commend the Minister for identifying installation and refit as key areas in supporting families, through the warmer homes initiative, as an effective and efficient way of tackling fuel poverty. In tandem with these measures, it is excellent news that the Bill, as it has evolved through the Houses, has accepted amendments to make provision that resources from the energy efficiency fund may be utilised for the alleviation of energy property. It is an important provision which is to be welcomed.

I am also glad that the Bill restates, in primary legislation, the pension entitlements of employees from Bord Gáis and the ESB who have transferred to other companies like Gaslink, ESB Networks and EirGrid. It is vital for worker confidence when there are such transitions, reforms and restructuring is in the semi State sector. The Minister and Department will be involved in other such reforms and consolidations as they affect strategically important companies such as the ESB, Coillte and Bord na Móna.

It is vital that there is no apprehension or doubt in workers' minds about their superannuation and pension entitlements. Their pensions must be secure as they transfer or are diverted to other companies or new bodies that have been set up. Apprehension could serve to put in place an impediment or a reluctance to comply with such important changes as we strategically develop these companies. It is important that there is a smooth transition.

I know from first-hand experience that workers in the private and public sectors are anxious that, having paid into pension funds for over 30 years, when they seek to avail of their pension entitlements they are told they are now underfunded. I commend the Minister for addressing that issue for workers in semi-State companies. They can rest assured about the security of their pensions.

It is very important that the Bill addresses installation and safety around LPG and electrical contractors in the sector. The last thing we need are cowboys chancing their arms fitting out homes and other installations. We have seen far too much of that from some sectors of the construction industry over the past decade.

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