IMPACT official Ian McDonnell explained: “The parties have agreed to the appointment of an independent actuary to forensically assess the pension scheme. This review will examine the shortfall in accrued benefits affecting active and deferred members, as well as examining the benefit gaps on the public service scheme. This process should provide us with the necessary information to seek specific resolutions on both issues.”

Ian said that the funding deficit could be bridged, albeit over a number of years, and that staff are willing to make their contribution to ensure the scheme is properly funded. He said the union has agreed to postpone any industrial action until the process is complete. IMPACT had served notice of limited industrial action last month. The action was deferred in order to facilitate talks at the WRC.

Oberstown review agreed

In a separate WRC process, IMPACT, SIPTU and management at Oberstown detention centre have agreed terms of reference for an independent health and safety audit on the Oberstown campus. The agreed terms of reference means the audit will specifically focus on:

1. Injuries to staff and young people over a five year period, the relationship between these injuries and the management of young people’s behaviour, considering the Behavioural Management Policy and practices used on campus.
2. The environs at the Oberstown campus considering the new building developments, the historical buildings and suitability to meet the behavioural challenges of young people.

The review will be carried out by an agreed independent external assessor. All parties agreed the review should be carried out as soon as possible.

The health and safety audit is separate to the operational review of the Oberstown campus announced by the Minister for Children, minister Katherine Zappone, last month.