I am very much aware of the situation for An Post pensioners as a result of the company's decision not to pay awards due under Sustaining Progress to existing employees given the financial position of the company.
Authority to implement pension increases was delegated to An Post by the Department on 26 May 1989. Traditionally, An Post has granted increases to serving staff in line with national pay agreements. Increases to pensioners have then subsequently been applied in line with increases granted to serving staff. I am also informed that the terms and conditions, including those regarding the matter of increases, as enshrined in the An Post main superannuation scheme 1990 are based on those that prevailed in the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs.
As the Deputy is aware, the company is currently involved in detailed negotiations with its unions under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, in order to reach agreement on necessary restructuring with a view to returning to financial stability.
These negotiations have impacted on consideration of increases for An Post pensioners. I am aware that An Post pensioners have naturally become concerned about the payment issue. Having regard to these concerns, I understand that the An Post board of management are reviewing this situation. In light of this review, I feel that it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.
