Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 February 2005
227 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Finance the situation in relation to an application from management of An Post to award pensioners their due increase; the reason for this delay; if the delay or refusal is in breach of the Act setting up An Post when original Civil Service staff were guaranteed that their conditions could not be worsened; when payment will be made to pensioners; and if it will include all arrears from the due date. [3157/05]
View answerMy colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey has primary responsibility for matters relating to An Post. The An Post superannuation scheme is a matter for An Post, in the first instance. The approval of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the agreement of the Minister for Finance are required for any changes to the scheme, including any proposals regarding post-retirement pension increases.
I am satisfied that the An Post pension scheme conforms to the relevant guarantees provided in the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983. In accordance with public service pension policy, the An Post superannuation scheme provides for "pay parity", that is, pensions are increased in line with pay of staff serving in An Post.
As the Deputy is aware, there are continuing discussions between the board of An Post and the Communications Workers Union on the financial position of the company. While the issue is still being discussed, the board has decided that it would not be appropriate to pay increases due under Sustaining Progress to serving staff in view of the financial circumstances facing the company.
Accordingly, it is not at present possible to pay the relevant increases to the pensioners pending the conclusion of these discussions and the resolution of the issue of Sustaining Progress payments to serving staff.
