Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Under section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communication and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.

In accordance with the Act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both Ministers to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies Superannuation and Remuneration annex sets out that NewERA advice should be sought in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate in their role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.

On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions, namely, to increase pensions in payment for members and deferred members of the An Post Superannuation Scheme by 6% per annum with effect from 1st January 2025 and 1% from 1 June 2025, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups.

In line with the Code of Practice, NewERA has provided advice to me on the request. On foot of that advice, I have given my consent to An Post's request. As required under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has now been sought.

It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place, that the Code of Practice is complied with and the relevant legislation is adhered to.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Further to section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended, and section 10 of the eircom superannuation scheme rules, my Department last year received a request for a pension increase of 2.1% for Eir (formerly Eircom and Telecom Éireann) pensioners, in respect of both pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025.

My officials sought the advice of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) on this pension increase proposal, who have now submitted their report. My officials will shortly make a submission to me on the matter and I will carefully consider the NewERA recommendations before making any determination on whether to approve the request. The consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation will also be required for the pension increase in the event that I give my approval.

The process to consider pension increase requests in respect of the Eir superannuation scheme and in respect of pension schemes of commercial state bodies is a rigorous, multi-stage process requiring formal NewERA advice and consideration by both Ministers. Accordingly, it is not possible to set out a definite timeframe as to when a final decision will be made on the Eir pension increase request.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Further to section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended, and section 10 of the eircom superannuation scheme rules, my Department last year received a request for a pension increase of 2.1% for Eir (formerly Eircom and Telecom Éireann) pensioners, in respect of both pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025.

My officials sought the advice of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) on this pension increase proposal, who have now submitted their report. My officials will shortly make a submission to me on the matter and I will carefully consider the NewERA recommendations before making any determination on whether to approve the request. The consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation will also be required for the pension increase in the event that I give my approval.

The process to consider pension increase requests in respect of the Eir superannuation scheme and in respect of pension schemes of commercial state bodies is a rigorous, multi-stage process requiring formal NewERA advice and consideration by both Ministers. Accordingly, it is not possible to set out a definite timeframe as to when a final decision will be made on the Eir pension increase request.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 384 and 397 together.

Further to section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended, and section 10 of the eircom superannuation scheme rules, my Department last year received a request for a pension increase of 2.1% for Eir (formerly Eircom and Telecom Éireann) pensioners, in respect of both pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025.

My officials sought the advice of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) on this pension increase proposal, who have now submitted their report. My officials will shortly make a submission to me on the matter and I will carefully consider the NewERA recommendations before making any determination on whether to approve the request. The consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation will also be required for the pension increase in the event that I give my approval.

On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions, namely, to increase pensions in payment for members and deferred members of the An Post Superannuation Scheme by 6% per annum with effect from 1st January 2025 and by 1% per annum with effect from 1 June 2025, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups.

In line with the relevant Code of Practice, NewERA has provided advice to me on the request. On foot of that advice, I have given my consent to An Post's request. As required under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has now been sought.

The process to consider pension increase requests in respect of the Eir superannuation scheme and in respect of pension schemes of commercial state bodies, including An Post, is a rigorous, multi-stage process requiring formal NewERA advice and consideration by both Ministers. Accordingly, it is not possible to set out a definite timeframe as to when a final decision will be made on these requests.