Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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556. To ask the Minister for Health to report on discussions he has had with the management of the Central Remedial Clinic and the Health Service Executive regarding the wind-up of a pension scheme for CRC workers; and if he is in favour of the affected workers having their pension entitlements transferred to the scheme other CRC workers are in. [20456/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) is funded by the Health Service Executive under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004. Therefore the CRC is accountable, in the first instance, to the HSE in relation to pay and superannuation matters. The decision taken by the CRC to cease contributions to the pension scheme without first consulting with the HSE in relation to scheme solvency and without having a viable alternative for the employees is of concern to me.

The CRC was requested to prepare viable alternative proposals in conjunction with the HSE in relation to the 44 employees that were members of the CRC pension plan. I understand that the CRC has submitted proposals to the HSE which the HSE is currently evaluating.

It would not be appropriate for me to have discussions with the management of the CRC, but I have requested that the HSE work with the CRC to resolve this matter. Any solution proposed must be in line with government policy in relation to pay and pensions.