Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
393. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether she was informed of any proposal by RTÉ to alter the use, governance, or charging structure of the RTÉ defined benefit pension scheme; the date on which she was so informed; the nature of any consent sought or given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11368/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra394. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the oversight mechanisms in place within her Department to ensure that pension assets accrued for the benefit of contributors are not used, directly or indirectly, to offset operational or legacy costs of a public service broadcaster; and whether those mechanisms were engaged in relation to RTÉ in the past five years. [11369/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra395. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether her Department has sought or received any legal advice regarding the permissibility of charging broadcaster costs to a pension scheme sponsored by a public body; and if so, whether she will outline the conclusions reached.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11370/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra396. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether she accepts that any perception of interference with pension funds undermines public confidence in RTÉ governance; and what steps she is taking to ensure transparency and accountability in the broadcaster’s treatment of deferred pay and pension obligations. [11371/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 393, 394, 395 and 396 together.
My oversight of the RTÉ Superannuation Scheme (RTÉSA) is governed by section 91 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, which among other provisions enables RTÉ to make a superannuation scheme or schemes and make amendments to a scheme or schemes, subject to my approval and with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalization. In line with section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies: Remuneration and Superannuation (2021), my Department seeks the advice of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) on any proposed Scheme Regulation amendments or pension increases that have been submitted to me. I consider carefully the NewERA advice and recommendations when deciding on whether to approve these proposals and submit them to DPER for the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure.
I can confirm that my officials received correspondence from RTÉ on 14 October 2025 seeking approval for a proposed amendment to Regulation 20 of the RTÉSA Regulations, with the effect that expenses incurred by the RTÉSA and its Trustees be met out of RTÉSA assets. My officials sought advice from NewERA on the matter and I am advised that the NewERA report on the proposal was recently received. My officials are considering the analysis and recommendations of the NewERA report and will be making a submission to me on the matter shortly. My Department has not sought or received legal advice on this matter. I can confirm that the proposal to amend Regulation 20 of the RTÉSA Regulations was raised in 2020, with consideration of the matter continuing in subsequent years, and that the above governance arrangements and procedures were adhered to on those occasions.
I am satisfied that the existing legislative provisions, consultation procedure with NewERA, and approval process involving both Ministers ensures accountability and transparency in respect of appropriate oversight of RTÉ pension schemes. The day-to-day administration of RTÉ pension schemes is a matter for the Trustees of the Schemes.
