I propose to take Questions Nos. 358, 359, 360, 361 and 362 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 Digitalisation. 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.
RTÉ is the sponsor of the RTÉSA and accordingly, my Department has corresponded with RTÉ in the past regarding this Scheme and will reply to the current Regulation amendment request in due course. The Department has received NewERA advice on the proposed amendment and independent legal advice has not been sought. The request to amend Regulation 20 of the RTÉSA Regulations is currently under consideration by Department officials and has not been submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. I understand that there has been no engagement or correspondence with the Pensions Authority on this matter within the last five years. As the matter remains under consideration by my Department, I am not in a position to share details of estimated annual costs associated with administration of the RTÉSA, details of Trustee costs, or other details of the amendment proposal.
