Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

618. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will clarify a number of changes in Aer Lingus pension arrangements (details supplied) and his Department's involvement in same; his views on the impact of changes for the various categories of pensioners, many of whom feel ignored, betrayed and isolated by the changes; if he will indicate the agreement process; who participated in the decision; the reason some pensioner groups were left unrepresented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32986/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

An agreed solution was implemented to address the IASS pension funding problems earlier this year. The solution that has been implemented is a matter for the pension scheme trustee, the companies participating in the scheme, the scheme members and the Pensions Authority.

My Department facilitated the establishment of an Expert Panel to examine and address issues that arose during the negotiations between the parties.

This is a very difficult issue which has been the subject of long and protracted discussions over a number of years. My Department is acutely aware of the very negative consequences caused by the problems in the IASS scheme for all its members, however, the reason for the State having any role at all in this private scheme was to facilitate an outcome, which, although not ideal, was preferable than the alternatives, including the likelihood of a wind-up of the scheme.