John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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24. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will review the operation of pension schemes for retired members of semi-State organisations; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that one fifth of these pensioners are on a pension of less than €12,000 per annum and many have not received a pension increase in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15371/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department has no role in setting the level of pensions received by members of occupational pension schemes.  Pension increases for occupational pensions are entirely a matter for the scheme trustees and the sponsoring employer.

If any individual has evidence that pension scheme trustees are not acting in the best interests of scheme members they should complain to the scheme trustees in the first instance.  If the complainant is not satisfied with the trustees’ reply they should raise their concerns with the Pensions Authority.

If a person does not qualify for a State pension (contributory) and does not have sufficient means, they may qualify for a means-tested State pension (non-contributory) instead.  This is paid at a rate of up to 95% that of the State pension (contributory), with 70% of such pensioners receiving the maximum rate of payment.  The rate a person receives will depend upon their means.  This is based upon (a) their cash income, (b) the value of capital they have (for example, savings, investments, cash on hand and property but not their own home), and (c) income from property personally used.  The highest rate of payment, for those with means of up to €30.00 per week, is €237, although someone with means under €257.50 weekly (€13,390 per annum) may qualify for a reduced rate of payment, depending upon their circumstances.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.