Union urges rendition spot-checks on US planes using Shannon

CIVIL servants are seeking spot-checks on American aircraft at Shannon “to prove that prisoners for renditions purposes are not on board”.

A motion to this effect is down for decision by the 10,000-strong Public Service Executive Union (PSEU), whose annual delegate conference takes place in Killarney next week.

Earlier this year a European parliament report rapped Ireland’s failure to ensure al-Qaida suspects and other prisoners were not spirited through Shannon Airport on CIA aircraft.

The PSEU’s branch in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment wants its executive committee to write to the relevant government ministers asking for spot checks — at a minimum — to be carried out.

The proposers of the motion add: “The letter should point out that it is in the interest of Ireland’s good name that such checks should be carried out.”

Other motions call for civil servants to be allowed to retire on full pension on completion of 40 years’ service, regardless of age.

Last year delegates agreed to seek an amendment to the compulsory retirement age of 65 to allow all civil servants to continue working.

However, the PSEU annual report for 2006-2007 notes management refused to concede the claim, which was also lodged by two other civil service unions.

Under a law enacted three years ago, staff recruited to the civil service after April 1, 2004 do not have to retire at 65. By contrast, the PSEU notes, staff recruited before age 65 were not required to retire at 65.

The 2004 legislation allowed an increase in the minimum pension age from 60 to 65 and a removal of the existing compulsory retirement age of 65 for new entrants only.

Rejecting the three unions’ argument last October, management said in the medium to long-term — as more staff were recruited as “new entrants” — an increasing number of civil servants will be required to work until 65 before drawing full pension and will have the right to continue working beyond that age.