Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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116. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the further progress being made in signing-off on pension increases due to retired An Post workers for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6578/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In accordance with the relevant Code of Practice from the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, An Post must seek Ministerial approval to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Circular 16/2021 states that pension approval requests should be submitted for approval well in advance of any decision to implement changes in acknowledgement of the necessary processes that must be completed and in order to ensure that pension increases are not unduly delayed. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place.

An Post has undertaken to submit a request for a proposed increase of up to 2% for An Post pensioners with effect from 1st January 2023. As per Circular 16/2021, such proposals require NewERA’s views, as well as a business case setting out the strategic, policy and financial rationale for the proposed increase. When the request and associated documentation is received from An Post, the standard process will have to be followed, with NewERA’s views and assessment by officials being required for the 2023 proposed increase prior to the consent of both Ministers being sought.

This is the same procedure that must be followed for any State body.