Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

45. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he can outline his role under sections 44 and 45 of the Transport Act 1950, particularly in relation to CIÉ pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17799/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

From the outset I would like to clarify that I, as Minister for Transport, have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the pension schemes, the CIÉ, Group and their employees. As a commercial semi-state body CIÉ are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees, this is consistent with the pension arrangements of semi-state bodies.

Under Section 44(1) of the Transport Act, 1950 CIÉ may submit an amending scheme to the Minister for Transport for review. Under Section 44(3) the amending scheme is subject to Ministerial approval to direct CIÉ to publish the Amending Schedules. A statutory public consultation process is required, where any representations from interested parties will be considered. Under Section 44(3)(a) of the Transport Act 1950, CIÉ is required to publish notification of any proposed change to its superannuation schemes in Iris Oifigiúil, and at its head office for a period of not less than 28 days.

Once I, as Minister for Transport have considered any objections or representations made during a statutory public consultation process, subject to the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (or any governmental minister to whom relevant functions previously reserved to the Minister for Finance or the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and Reform that have been transferred by statute), I may therefore confirm, modify, or reject an amending scheme in accordance with the process set out under the Section 44(4) of the Transport Act, 1950.

My Department is engaged with financial advisors at NewERA, the Pensions Authority, and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the matter of bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members.

Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes.

Decisions regarding pension increases are ultimately a matter for the CIÉ Board as informed by actuarial advice and is subject to requirements imposed by statute and scheme rules.