Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 111: To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed regarding the impact of proposed changes in regard to public service pensions; the discussions he intends to have with public service unions prior to the introduction of the new arrangement on 1 April 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4759/04]

Charlie McCreevy (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the concerns of certain unions regarding the impact of the changes to public service pensions for new entrants announced in budget 2004. When I announced my reform package I stated that the public service unions would be fully informed about the implementation of the changes in pension age for new entrants before their planned introduction with effect from 1 April 2004. In this connection I confirm to the Deputy that this process is under way. A committee has been established under the aegis of the public services committee of ICTU and a number of meetings have already taken place between the public service unions and officials of my Department and other relevant Departments. There are a number of issues of implementation which these discussions are helping to clarify.