Letter to Min for Transport_Jan 2014

RETIRED AVIATION STAFF ASSOCIATION

COMHLACHAS IAR-FHOIREANN EITILEORACHTA

A.L.S.A.A. COMPLEX, DUBLIN AIRPORT, IRELAND

Ph (01) 8144977.

Email rasadub@gmail.com

Twitter:@rasatweet

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/retiredaviationstaffassoc/

11 January 2014

Mr Leo Varadkar, T.D.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Kildare St

Dublin 2

IASS Pension Scheme

Dear Minister,

RASA, who represents pensioners in Aer Lingus, DAA and SRTechnics request a meeting with you to discuss the IASS pension fund and the difficulties surrounding finding an acceptable solution to the deficit problem.

Minister, pensioners believe that they are the group who are the target to settle the present impasse. It is the pensioners who have absorbed the Levy, have had no C.P.I. increases since 2007 and now the worry and concern of the impact of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2013.

Our members will be targeted with €110 million, equivalent to what Aer Lingus will pay for its current staff. Is this fair to members who believe they have property rights to their pension.

In February 2012 you advised us to deal with the employers but they say we have to deal with the trustee. You are the Minister in charge, holding 25% stake in Aer Lingus and 100% of DAA. We believe it is time for the government to take a stand and to work towards a solution.

We want to meet you to discuss some possible solutions which are not acceptable to the employers who want to walk away from the IASS.

We look forward to meeting with you at your earliest convenience..

Sincerely,

Arthur McSwiney

Chairman

[urgent contact: paddykilduff@ymail.com : ph: 086-820 7465]