Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
710. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is aware of a case (details supplied); and if he will work to ensure that the workers in question are able to get the pension increases they have earned. [11699/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra711. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding the pension increase for retired employees of An Post; if this is under review within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11736/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra712. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the timeframe for when he was sent recommendations in relation to the proposed pension increase for retired employees of An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11737/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra713. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he has or if he will engage with retired employees of An Post regarding the pension increase that was recommended for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11738/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 710, 711, 712 and 713 together.
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.
