Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding Aer Lingus staff pensions. [40893/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The question refers to correspondence circulated by SIPTU regarding difficulties faced by the Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme (IASS), which is a multi-employer scheme involving Aer Lingus, the Dublin Airport Authority and former SR Technics employees.  

Resolution of the funding difficulties in the scheme is a matter for the trustees, the companies participating in the scheme and the members and I understand that the parties are participating in discussions with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission in an effort to find a solution to the current difficulties.  

The correspondence also addresses the changes announced in June this year to the Minimum Funding Standard for defined benefit pension schemes under the Pension Acts. This is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection and the Pensions Board. I have no authority to change the funding standard.