Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2018
504. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that CIÉ superannuated pensions have not increased in eight years; his views on whether this should be addressed; and if so, the way in which and when this deficiency will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48927/18]
View answer512. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure the CIÉ superannuation fund is adequate to cater for pension increases for former CIÉ employees; and his views on the fact that these former employees have not received a pension increase since 2008 despite an €18 increase in the rate of State pension in the same period. [49163/18]
View answerThe negotiations on both the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement and political declaration on the framework for the EU-UK future relationship, both of which we were endorsed by the European Council on 25 November, were conducted on behalf of the EU27 by the EU's Chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, and the Commission's Article 50 Taskforce. Brexit is a priority issue for this Government, and the Taoiseach, my cabinet colleagues and I have taken every opportunity to engage with EU partners and the UK to advance Ireland’s priorities. Recently, I have had a number of engagements with UK ministers on the issue of Brexit. On 31 October, I met with Jeremy Hunt in London for a second time that month, a day after I met Dominic Raab, then the UK Secretary of State for Exiting the EU. I also met with David Lidington, the UK Minister of the Cabinet Office in September in Dublin, and have remained in regular phone contact. On 23 November, I spoke on the phone with the newly appointed UK Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, Steve Barclay. I conveyed to Mr Barclay my hope that agreement on the Withdrawal Agreement and the political declaration on the framework for the future relationship at the upcoming European Council will enable the EU and the UK to focus more intently on the future relationship and on the considerable work that lies ahead. I stressed Ireland's wish to have the closest possible relationship between the EU and the UK.
