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Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004

Thursday, 21 October 2004

Questions (84)

Richard Bruton

Question:

67 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that pensioners of An Post have been brought into the dispute between An Post management and unions by the denial of a pension increase due to employees; if he is considering altering the terms under which responsibility for the payment of pensions is delegated to An Post, in view of the fact that pensioners are not in dispute with the company and their award is independently funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25566/04]

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Written answers

Authority to implement pension increases was delegated to An Post by this 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. I do not intend to change this delegation of authority regarding pensions as it is clearly an operational function for the board and management of An Post.

As the Deputy will be 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. However, I understand that the An Post board and management are reviewing this situation. In light of this review, I feel it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.

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