David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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332. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the provisions he has made in budget 2017 to compensate persons (details supplied) who have unpurchased pensionable years and are awaiting compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4017/17]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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333. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if any recommendation has been made to his Department by a third party to make an ex gratia payment to persons (details supplied) with unpurchased pensionable years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4018/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 333 together.

The mediated agreement for former Waterford Crystal workers covers 1,774 members of the Waterford Crystal Pension Factory and Staff Schemes. As the Deputy is aware, the vast majority of former workers have agreed full and final settlements and are in receipt of their payments.

During the mediation process it was agreed by the parties that disputes in relation to individual cases would be referred to a dispute resolution process. The dispute resolution procedure is solely and exclusively for individual disputes concerning personal employment information particular to the individual used for the calculation of lump sums and monies in respect of pensionable service as set out in the letter of offer and/or deed of release including scheme service dates and calculations.

A number of the former workers referred to in the question did make an appeal concerning the calculation of their offer vis. a vis. contract service. While the matter has been examined by the mediator involved, the appeal has raised complex legal and precedential issues which are important to resolve in order to ensure a fair settlement.

I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is working actively with the Mediator to bring the matter to a resolution as quickly as possible.

I hope that clarifies the matter for the Deputy.