Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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44. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the processing and payment of outstanding Waterford Crystal pensions and lump sums to former employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29313/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I wish to advise that all material required to give legal effect to the settlement reached in the Labour Relations Commission has been provided to the legal representatives of the members of Waterford Crystal pension schemes for their agreement and sign off. This material includes a Letter of Offer, Deed of Release and other support material.

Before the letter of offer and associated documentation can be issued to members themselves, their representatives are required to -

- confirm satisfaction that all matters raised by them have been addressed;

- sign off for issue to the members of the schemes the letter of offer and associated documentation; and

- confirm the plaintiffs in the case before the Court have accepted the offer.

Following receipt of the above from member’s legal representatives, my Department will work as expeditiously as possible to issue this documentation to members and process lump sum payments thereafter. Member will be required to sign the “Deed of Release” to the effect that any payment issued under the agreement will be in full and final settlement of any claim a member may have under the scheme. A payment cannot be made until a signed “Deed of Release” is received and legal proceedings withdrawn.

I wish to emphasise that it is the Department’s firm objective that all outstanding matters are resolved without further delay. I can assure you that every effort is being made to implement the terms of the agreement as soon as possible.