State to fund Waterford Crystal staff’s €180m pension deal

After an anxious six-year wait, relieved former Waterford Crystal workers in the South East have received news of a €180m pensions package agreed by the Coalition.

The deal, hammered out between unions and the Government, will see former workers receive significant  pensions and a tax-free lump sum, amounting to an average of €40,000 each.

Tánaiste and Social Protection Minister Joan Burton received approval from her Cabinet colleagues for the deal yesterday, which will go to 1,774 former workers, as well as family in