Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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It was agreed in 2009 that increases in Vhi pensions and preserved pensions would be based on the level of increases in the consumer price index (“CPI”), up to a maximum of 2%. These increases may be granted at the discretion of the company, and are subject to the approval of the Minister for Health with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.

The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and DPER Circular 16/2021 requires that any request for a Vhi pension increase must first be submitted to the Department of Health for Ministerial approval. When the Minister for Health has given his approval, the Department of Health would then seek my concurrence with an accompanying business case and a report prepared by NewERA on the matter.

I acknowledge that cost-of-living increases are creating challenges for pensioners and my Department is currently engaging with the Department of Health in relation to pension increases to Vhi pensions.

The request for an increase will be given full consideration by my Department when a completed business case and proposal has been received from the Department of Health, with reference to advice provided by NewERA.