Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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236. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a matter concerning civil service pensioners (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46408/22]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has over-arching responsibility for public service pension policy. Following on from agreement with the Public Service unions (under the Public Service Agreement “Building Momentum” – A New Public Service Agreement 2021-2022), pay increases have been awarded to Public Servants on 1 October 2021 and 1 February 2022, with a further pay increase due on 1 October 2022. The pay increases are weighted towards those at the lower income. In accordance with the agreement these pay increases have/will be passed on to public service pensioners who are members of pre-existing public service pension schemes (non-Single Scheme). The Single Public Service Pension Scheme which, in general, is applicable to all new public servants appointed on or after 1 January 2013, provides for Single Scheme pensions to be up-rated in line with increases in the consumer price index (CPI).

Therefore if the proposed pay increases are accepted by the Unions, this will give further increases to the pay of public servants and the associated pension increases for public service pensioners.

The Deputy makes reference to supports for those on low income levels through measures in the upcoming budget. The Government have been clear that Budget 2023 will provide significant support to those dealing with the cost of living challenges. Details of these supports are being worked upon for the budget announcement on September 27^th.