Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 January 2022
315. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with Coillte and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with a view to increasing the pension payments for retired workers considering their pensions have not been increased since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2700/22]
View answer316. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with Coillte with a view to increasing the pension payments for retired workers, considering their pensions have not been increased since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2701/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 315 and 316 together.
As the Deputy may be aware Coillte is a private limited company established under the Forestry Act 1988 and as such is operationally independent from my Department.
Any pension increases granted are at the discretion of Coillte and are subject to the approval of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
I referred this matter to Coillte for direct reply following the same question from the Deputy under Dail Question No. 181 of 8th December, 2021. Coillte issued a reply on the matter to the Deputy on 9th December 2021.
I will refer this matter again to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.
