Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 429: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the Pensions Board has conducted an investigation into the operation of a pension scheme (details supplied) as a result of reports regarding the improper use of funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32973/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The scheme in question is a defined benefit scheme. In 1991 and 1994, the scheme was split with the result that there are now three schemes, one for staff, one for middle management and one for senior executives. In 1996, a member trustee of the staff scheme complained to the Pensions Board about specific financial issues associated with the splitting of the scheme which the trustee believed led to a deficit in the pension fund and difficulties in obtaining information.

In October 1998, in a report to the then Minister, the Pensions Board indicated that it had received independent legal advice in relation to the trustee's concerns and concluded that there was no case for proceedings to be taken under the Pensions Act 1990. Following further representations, the Pensions Board agreed to conduct a further investigation.

In October 2000, three KPMG consultants were appointed under section 18 of the Pensions Act as authorised officers to conduct the investigation. In June 2002, the report was completed and concluded that there had been no breaches of the Pensions Act except for one unintentional breach. The report was made available to the trustees of the pension scheme as appropriate parties within the meaning of the Pensions Act. While My Department and I have no role or influence with regard to specific Pensions Board investigations, I am satisfied with the conclusions of the board and that there is no further action that the board or my Department can take in this matter.