Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

249. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will urgently address the critical funding shortfall in the CIÉ 1951 pension scheme to ensure that pensioners, who have not received an increase in 15 years, receive the financial support they deserve; if he will provide the necessary funding through his Department to rectify this situation, or alternatively, incorporate this pension scheme into the general public service scheme to guarantee fair treatment for these public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22922/25]

Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

251. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that CIÉ pensioners have not received an increase in their CIÉ pension for 17 years since 2008 and will he address this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15980/25]

John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

257. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on discussions between his Department and CIÉ on the calls for former employees in receipt of a CIÉ pension on their longstanding call for an increase in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22959/25]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 249, 251 and 257 together.

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.

That being said, I am acutely aware of concerns raised by the members of both CIÉ pension schemes, regarding the lack of pension increases since 2008, especially given the higher cost of living that many are facing.

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.

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.

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. Accordingly, I have referred your question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.