Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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278. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will insist that CIÉ provides answers to the issues and questions expressed in relation to the CIE '1951 Scheme' as detailed in the most recent elected trustee bulletin dated 10 March 2023 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13264/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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CIÉ have advised that the Group’s two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), are currently not in compliance with the Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) as defined in the Pensions Act 1990.

As the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to the schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard required by the Pensions Authority. The changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term.

In relation to CIE's Regular Wages Scheme (RWS), I signed three Statutory Instruments related to the RWS on 6th July 2022, with an operative date of 18th July 2022.

In regards to the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to Labour Court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by ballot of scheme trade union members in May 2021. This is being considered by my Department in conjunction with NewERA. The deputies may also be aware that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days and the outcome from the Hearing is expected in the coming months.

Issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.