Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 997: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress that has been made in the establishment of the 50-50 risk sharing pension scheme for RTE employees; when the scheme is expected to be in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38698/09]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 1001: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm that all relevant service will be reckonable, from the date in February 2009 when the 50-50 risk sharing pension scheme for RTE employees was due to begin; when the scheme is expected to be in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39035/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 997 and 1001 together.

Approval of any RTÉ superannuation pension scheme is required under Section 81 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. A scheme submitted to me under this section shall, if approved of by me with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance, be carried out by RTÉ in accordance with its terms.

RTÉ submitted the 50/50 risk sharing pension scheme to me for approval at the end of Quarter 1 of this year. As the situation stands, there are specific aspects of the scheme as currently drafted that are at variance with public sector pension policy and norms and, in light of this, my Department and the Department of Finance are not in a position to recommend final approval for the draft scheme at this time. I can confirm however, that my Department is continuing to engage, as a matter of priority, with the Department of Finance and RTÉ in respect of those aspects of the scheme and every effort is being made by the three parties to ensure an early resolution of the issues.

The matter of reckonable service in respect of this scheme is a matter for RTÉ, in the first place, to consider.