Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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21. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the increase of up to 5%, promised in July 2025, will be paid to recipients of the CIÉ pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6786/26]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.

Following on from the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, my Department are currently engaging with CIÉ as well as financial advisors at NewERA, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members, including review of the relevant statutory instruments and the matter of increases to pension payments.

My Department and all relevant stakeholders are endeavouring to achieve the same at the earliest, keeping in line with the appropriate procedures, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals as part of the formal process, which is now underway.

Decisions regarding pension increases are ultimately a matter for the CIÉ Board as informed by actuarial advice and are subject to requirements imposed by statute and scheme rules. Accordingly, I have referred this aspect of 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.