Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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370. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the assistance that his Department can provide to a person (details supplied) and many other pensioners in cases where Coillte pensions have not increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61431/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, Coillte is a private limited company established under the Forestry Act 1988 and as such is operationally independent from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Any pension increases granted are at the discretion of Coillte and are subject to the approval of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Approval to an increase of 2% to pensions in payment for Coillte pensioners has been sought by Coillte and has recently been granted by the relevant Ministers.

The individual case referred to has been forwarded to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.