Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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231. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a pension increase will issue to CIÉ group pensioners during the current review. [12804/21]

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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232. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there has been an analysis carried out by his Department of the CIÉ pension scheme given the lack of post retirement increase and the underfunding of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12805/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 together.

The CIÉ Group has two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”) and issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees.

In relation to the RWS, CIÉ has prepared and recently submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme, and these drafts are now being considered by my Department. There are several steps involved before an SI can be made, including the statutory consultation process. I understand that the Trustees of the Scheme are also consulting members prior to submission of an application to the Pensions Authority under Section 50 of the Pensions Act 1990.

Concerning the 1951 scheme, I understand that proposals related to that scheme were referred to the Labour Court, and a recommendation which emerged on 23rd November 2020 is being considered the Trade Unions and has been approved by the Company.

I am also forwarding the Deputy's questions to CIÉ for direct response. Please advise my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.