Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
385. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when Eir and An Post pensioners will be paid their overdue increase (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13440/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra386. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when Eir and An Post pensioners will be paid their pension increase (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13444/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 385 and 386 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 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 recently submitted their report for consideration. Both my approval and the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation are required to give effect to this pension increase. I can confirm my approval was given and the proposal has been forwarded to the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for consideration.
Under section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communications 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, including the Pension Accord (2013), the payment of pension benefits and the implementation of Scheme rule changes approved by the Ministers, 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 its advice on the request for consideration. Both my approval and the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation are required to give effect to this pension increase.
The process to consider pension increase requests in respect of the Eir superannuation scheme, as well as the An Post superannuation scheme and pension schemes of other 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 these requests. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are followed, that the Code of Practice is complied with and the relevant legislation is adhered to.
