100 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if retired employees of the Commissioners of Irish Lights are provided with pension parity in line with wage increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3923/02]

In February 1995, after discussions between my Department, the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions in the UK and the Commissioners of Irish Lights, it was agreed that wage increases for senior grades above higher executive officer, but below chief executive in CIL would move in line with wage increases for principal officers in the Irish Civil Service.

It was also decided that retired senior staff would be entitled to pension increases in line with salary increases awarded to principal officers in the Irish Civil Service. Wage increases for the grades of clerical officer, executive officer and higher executive officer in CIL move in line with wage increases for clerical officer, executive officer and higher executive officer in the Irish Civil Service, respectively. Retired staff who held these grades are entitled to pension increases in line with salary increases for the corresponding grade in the Irish Civil Service.