I propose to take Questions Nos. 208, 210 and 217 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.
The CIÉ Group has two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”) and issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees.
Concerning the 1951 pension scheme, members of the scheme were recently balloted regarding the Labour Court Recommendation which emerged on 23rd November 2020, with a majority of the members voting to accept the proposals. CIÉ have written to me in recent days advising that they will begin the process of amending the Statutory Instruments to implement the Labour Court Recommendation. I understand that CIÉ has also advised the Pensions Authority and the ‘1951’ Pension Scheme Trustees and Committee of this development.
In the light of the above, I have referred the Deputies questions to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.