I propose to take Questions Nos. 328 and 329 together.
Scheme trustees have duties and responsibilities under trust law, under other relevant legislation and under the Pensions Act, 1990, as amended. The duties of pension scheme trustees include administering the trust in accordance with the law and the terms of the trust deed and rules. Consequently any decisions made by corporate or individual trustees of an occupational pension scheme are governed by the relevant legislation. The provisions of the Pensions Act are enforced through the supervision of the Pensions Authority.
Although the Pensions Authority is under the aegis of my Department, it regulates pension schemes entirely independently of my Department. Therefore, I am not in a position to comment on the matters raised by the Deputy.
If scheme members or Deputies have concerns about the CIÉ pension scheme they should address queries directly to the Pensions Authority.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.