Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 253: To ask the Minister for Finance when a scheme (details supplied) will be approved; and if reckonable service will be backdated. [37902/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As outlined in my reply of 20 October 2009 to Deputy Brian Hayes on this matter, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has primary responsibility for matters relating to the state body mentioned, including its pension schemes. With regard to pension arrangements, the relevant legislation requires that they be approved by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance.

Officials from my Department are involved in ongoing consultation with officials in the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources regarding the pension scheme referred to. Certain aspects must be clarified in order to ensure that the Scheme is in accordance with public service pension policy and with public expenditure policy. It is hoped that, with cooperation from all parties involved, the scheme will be in order for the Ministers to approve in the near future. I can assure you that we are making every effort in this regard.

I refer to the Deputy's specific query as to whether reckonable service will be backdated. Such details of the scheme are a matter in the first instance for the employer to determine and clarify and I am not in a position to advise on this point.