MINUTES OF THE TENTH MEETING OF THE PENSION TRUSTEES

11 February 2002

MONDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2002 AT 11.15 AM IN ROOM 21

PRESENT:
Mr D Watson
Mr J Dallat
Mr M Carrick
Mr D McClarty

IN THE CHAIR: 
Mr D Watson

APOLOGIES: 
Mr J Kelly

IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr T Evans, Mr E Hobson.

1. Minutes of the 10 December meeting were accepted with three amendments.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 Pension Fund Insurance

Mr Hobson reported that 69 medical declaration forms have been completed to date and that ten have been accepted. Thirteen members still to complete medical declaration forms.

2.2 Old Assembly Pension Fund

Mr Evans agreed to raise with the Assembly's Head of Legal Services.

2.3 Transfer of Benefits

Mr Hobson reported that eleven Members have still not decided to transfer benefits into the scheme.

3. APPOINTMENT OF AN ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION (AVC) PROVIDER

3.1 The Trustees approved the funds proposed by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) as the portfolio to be offered by Clerical Medial to members of the scheme wanting to purchase AVCs and signed off the Plan Establishment documentation.

3.2 It was agreed that a letter should be sent to all Members of the scheme announcing the appointment of Clerical Medical as the Assembly's AVC provider and inviting members to a clinic to be run by PWC. A separate letter to issue to those members who have already 'banked' money for the purpose of purchasing AVCs. The Trustees also agreed that PWCs advice on the choice of the funds should be copied to all members of the scheme.

4. ACCOUNTS / ANNUAL REPORT

4.1 Mr Hobson reported that the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) are due to sign off the Annual Accounts. A copy of the accounts will be sent to the Trustees chairman for his signature. An NIAO representative will attend the next meeting to explain the procedures required to lay the accounts before the Assembly.

4.2 Mr Hobson to explore the costs of publishing the Annual Report which will need to be cleared at the next meeting.

5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

5.1 The Trustees agreed that there is a need to consider what preparations are required in advance of the 2003 election.

6. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

At the call of the Chairman.

TOM EVANS