Written answers

Thursday, 17 December 2015

Department of Social Protection

Pensions Insolvency Payments Scheme

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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59. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of any double insolvency pension schemes whereby compensation will be payable to former members; if she has estimated the potential liability to the State in such circumstances; the action she plans to take in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45962/15]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2009 provided for the establishment by the Minister for Finance of a Pensions Insolvency Payments scheme (PIPS) to provide for the payment of pensions, in the event of the wind up of a pension scheme where both the employer and the scheme are insolvent, at less cost than through traditional annuities, thereby making more scheme assets available for the pensions of those yet to retire.

Application for pension payments under this scheme would give an indication of the number of double insolvencies arising in the period since the date of enactment and which may make a claim against the State. The following lists the schemes which have applied to the Pensions Authority for certification as an eligible scheme for payment under PIPs.

Application for Pension Insolvency Payments scheme

Date Wind UpEmployerPensionersActivesDeferred
29/06/12Protim Abrasives Ltd17045
19/07/12Glencullen Holdings Ltd181771
01/12/10Mc Cormick MacNaughton Limited3812
31/03/12BHT Group Ltd11762259
28/06/11McConnell Group Ltd13041
28/06/11McConnell Group Ltd301
31/03/09Waterford Crystal Ltd162262337
31/03/09Waterford Crystal Ltd475269544
30/06/09Waterford Wedgewood PLC2215
15/01/2013Curragh Tintawn Carpets407737
22/10/2012Co-Operative Poultry Products0058

The Minister for Finance has made provision through the pension levy to meet any liability that might arise in a double insolvency occurring since the ECJ ruling in the Robins case.

The Social Welfare and Pensions (No.2) Act 2013 amended the Pensions Act 1990 to address double insolvencies occurring after the 25 December 2013. No claim has yet been made in respect of any double insolvencies occurring since the enactment of the 2013 legislation.

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