Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

169. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if An Post has sought his approval for the payment of a 2% increase to its pensioners from 1 January 2023; if he has not received the relevant request, when he expects to receive it; when it is intended to pay the increase which has already been paid to existing employees of the company and is significantly below CPI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12726/23]

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

182. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when he expects to approve a proposed increase in the pension entitlements of An Post workers; if the S.I. to give effect to this will be ready soon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12951/23]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

204. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he is taking to ensure the implementation of a pensions agreement from a semi-State body, including the back payments recipients are entitled to (details supplied). [13464/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 169, 182 and 204 together.

In May 2022, An Post requested an increase of 2% with effect from 1 January 2022. Having sought the necessary advice from NewERA, the relevant Ministerial consents to the payment of an increase of 2% to An Post pensioners with effect from 1 January 2022 were provided to An Post in early September.

On 9 March 2023 An Post wrote to the Department seeking consent to the second phase of their current pay agreement which provides for a 2% increase in pay from 1st January 2023.

In addition to this, on foot of a recent Labour Court decision, An Post also wrote to the Department on 9 March seeking approval to make increases to pensions in payment and deferred pensions of a 5% increase from 1 January 2022 and a 1% increase from 1 July 2023.

In accordance with the relevant Code of Practice from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, An Post must seek Ministerial approval to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme.

As per Circular 16/2021, all such proposals require NewERA’s views, as well as a business case setting out the strategic, policy and financial rationale for the proposed increase. 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.

Now that the requests and associated documentation have been received from An Post, the standard process will have to be followed, with NewERA’s views and assessment by officials being required prior to the consent of both Ministers being sought.