I consider proposals for pension increases under the Eircom Superannuation Scheme in accordance with section 10 of the Eircom Superannuation Scheme Rules, which were originally adopted under section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983. Section 10 states that the company may grant such increases in such pensions and preserved pensions under this Scheme as may be authorised from time to time by the Minister with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance.
My Department received a request from Eir on 08 August 2025 to approve a pension increase of 2.1% for Eir pensioners, for pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025. A request for formal advice on the proposed pension increase was submitted by Department officials to NewERA on 17 November 2025. NewERA submitted its report to the Department on 06 February. The proposal was put to me on 12 February and I approved the pension increase on that date. My Department submitted a formal consent request to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitilisation on 13 February. I understand that the Minister for Public Expenditure gave his consent to the request on 23 February and that the concurrence of the Minister for Finance, which is also required to give effect to the pension increase, was sought on the same date. This concurrence by the Minister for Finance was given on March 3rd.
