PENSION SCHEME SHADOW TRUSTEES MINUTES OF THE THIRD MEETING

1 November 1999

MONDAY 1 NOVEMBER 1999 AT 2.00 PM IN ROOM 152

Present:Mr D Watson 

Mr D McClarty
Mr E McGrady
Mr C Murphy

In the Chair:Mr D Watson

In Attendance:Mr T Evans, Mr J Hamilton, Mr E Hobson, Mr D Millar and Mr T Sexton

Apologies:Mr G Campbell

1. MINTUES OF THE FIRST MEETING

The minutes of the second meeting were accepted with one change. Mr Sexton asked that the word "opting" at bullet point 4 of paragraph 6.1 be changed to read "transferring".

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 The Trustees indicated that they were content to continue with the approach taken by Mr Hamilton at the previous meeting with regard to outlining the main provisions of the draft Pension Bill.

2.2 It was agreed that Mr Hamilton should proceed with the preparations for the training of Trustees on Tuesday 30 November.

3. PRESENTATION OF THE SCHEME AND SCRUTINY PROCESS

3.1 Mr Hamilton continued to provide Trustees with an overview of the draft Pension scheme. He detailed the provisions set out under the following headings:

Early retirement-Part H and Schedule 4
Ill-Health Pensions-Part J
Commutation-Part G and Schedule 3
Death Gratuities-Part L
5 Year Guarantee-Part M
Refunds-Part N
Actutahoma Valuations-Part S
The Fund and the Trustees-Part B and Schedule 1

3.2 Members had some concerns about the practical application of a power which would allow Trustees to review and, where appropriate, withdraw payment of an ill-health pension. It was decided to defer a decision on this point and any other issues until the Trustees have considered the full content of the Pension Scheme.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 Members agreed to consider the option of running the one day training course at a venue outside of Parliament Buildings.

4.2 It was agreed that once the Trustees and the Commission have reached a consensus on the content of the Bill Members should be informed of progress and the detailed provisions contained in the Pension Scheme. A strategy for taking this forward will be considered at the next meeting of the Trustees.

5. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Trustees will take place on Tuesday 16 November at 2.00 pm in room 152.

EVAN HOBSON