Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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194. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason her Department is not implementing Labour Court recommendation 19293 of 22 July 2008, that supervisors and assistant supervisors of community employment schemes be entitled to State pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26213/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Deputy will be aware that CE supervisors are the employees of private companies. In the circumstances, it is not possible for the State to take over responsibility for funding occupational pension arrangements for employees of private companies, even where those companies are reliant on State funding. This position was confirmed by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (D/PER) to this Department in March of this year.

For the record, the Deputy should note that LCR19293 states “that an agreed pension scheme should be introduced”. CE Supervisors may qualify for the State Pension at 66 years of age. If they have accrued sufficient PRSI contributions (520 contributions at full rate, equivalent to 10 years contributions) they will qualify for the State Pension (Contributory), which is not means-tested. In the event that there are insufficient contributions, the person will qualify for the State Pension (Non-Contributory), provided they satisfy the means test.

Additionally, employers (including CE Sponsoring Organisations) are legally obliged to offer accessto at least one Standard Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) under the Pension (Amendment) Act 2002. All CE Sponsoring Organisations were apprised of their responsibilities under this Act at that time.