Government must meet Pension Obligations to CE Supervisors

Government must meet Pension Obligations to CE Supervisors – Tóibín

Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín TD has stressed his support for the efforts of SIPTU and Fórsa to achieve pension justice for Community Employment Scheme Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors.

Speaking today, International Workers Day, Teachta Tóibín stated:

“In 2008, the Labour Court recommended that the government initiate a pension scheme for Community Employment Scheme Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors. Over ten years later, the government has made no steps to provide any sort of pension scheme for the 1,250 Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors who are fundamental to the delivery of opportunities for long-term unemployed people and communities across Ireland.

Since the Labour Court’s recommendation, 250 CE Scheme Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors have retired. None have received any pension as a result of their hard work in key areas. Between 30 and 40 Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors will retire this year. It is characteristically unfair and unjust of the government that they have not taken heed of the Labour Court’s decade-old recommendation and put a pension scheme in place to ensure financial security for these Supervisors who have served their communities and our country.

On International Workers Day, it is right that the ongoing pension injustice suffered by CE Scheme Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors is highlighted and that Minister Donohoe and the government finally commit to the creation of a pension scheme for these workers.”

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.