Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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399. To ask the Minister for Health if he consulted with the Central Remedial Clinic or had any notification prior to it winding up its pension and death benefit plan. [15959/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I had no notification from the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) prior to it winding up its pension and death benefit plan.

It is regrettable that the CRC took a decision to cease contributions to the scheme without first consulting with the HSE in relation to scheme solvency and seeking a viable alternative for the employees concerned.

Following receipt of information from the CRC in relation to the wind up of the scheme, the CRC was requested as a matter of urgency, to prepare viable alternative proposals in conjunction with the HSE. A detailed business case in relation to alternative options has not yet been submitted by the HSE in relation to this matter, however I understand that on 1st June the CRC made an initial submission to the HSE which the HSE is currently considering.

When a detailed business case is received from the HSE, my Department will, as a matter of urgency, consider the proposals in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The latter is responsible for Government policy in relation to public service pensions. Pension schemes and pension terms for public servants generally require the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.