Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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2029. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if the former workers of a company (details supplied) have been written to; when they can expect their payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27532/17]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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2030. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if there are outstanding issues relating to the pension schemes of a company (details supplied) to which former employees may still have a claim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27533/17]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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2031. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to former members of a company (details supplied) who still have claims outstanding relating to their pension entitlements under pension schemes. [27534/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 2029 to 2031, inclusive, together.

The mediated agreement for former Waterford Crystal workers, covers members of the Waterford Crystal Limited Contributory Pension Plan for Staff and the Waterford Crystal Limited Contributory Pension Scheme for Factory Employees, and provides for the payment of –

(a) a tax-free once-off lump sum of €1,200 for every year of pension scheme service (not company service), not exceeding 40 years, plus

(b) payment of monies in respect of pension scheme service which is payable from the normal retirement date of the scheme members (on a fortnightly basis).

During the mediated process, which was facilitated by Mr. Kieran Mulvey, it was agreed by the parties that disputes in relation to individual cases would be referred to an independent dispute resolution process.

I understand that the dispute resolution officer concerned has already sent a final determination to the majority of members who made appeals in relation to contract service and pre-91 service and intends to write to the other remaining appellants shortly. My Department subsequently issued letters to those who were awarded ex-gratia payments in relation to contract service. In respect of this group, payments will be made before the end of the month for those who have returned the necessary documentation and in respect of whom all necessary legal matters have been completed.

Former workers who left the service of Waterford Crystal in the early 1990s received their full pension entitlements in relation to pre-1991 service under the schemes at that point. The payments made at that time were in full and final settlement of their entitlements under the schemes and were paid in accordance with Pension Regulations then in force. There are no settlements or payments due under the mediated settlement in respect of pre-1991 service.

The finalisation of all aspects of the mediated agreement is a matter of priority, both for me and for the Department. I can assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to progress payments as quickly as possible.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.