Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
135. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the next steps in the process for awarding the 2% increase in the An Post pension, agreed on 1 January 2022, following the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform providing his consent on this matter on 8 September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25582/23]
View answer136. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will authorise the payment of pension increases due to postal workers since January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25658/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 together.
In May 2022, An Post requested an increase of 2% with effect from 1 January 2022. Having sought the necessary advice from NewERA, the relevant Ministerial consents to the payment of an increase of 2% to An Post pensioners with effect from 1 January 2022 were provided to An Post in early September.On 9 March 2023 An Post wrote to the Department seeking consent to the second phase of their current pay agreement which provides for a 2% increase in pay from 1st January 2023.In addition to this, on foot of a recent Labour Court decision, An Post also wrote to the Department on 9 March seeking approval to make increases to pensions in payment and deferred pensions of a 5% increase from 1 January 2022 and a 1% increase from 1 July 2023.In accordance with the relevant Code of Practice from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, An Post must seek Ministerial approval to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme.As per Circular 16/2021, all such proposals require NewERA’s views, as well as a business case setting out the strategic, policy and financial rationale for the proposed increase. Circular 16/2021 states that pension approval requests should be submitted for approval well in advance of any decision to implement changes in acknowledgement of the necessary processes that must be completed and in order to ensure that pension increases are not unduly delayed. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place.Following receipt of the requests and associated documentation in recent weeks and months from An Post, the standard process is now being followed, with NewERA’s views and assessment by officials being required prior to the consent of both Ministers being sought.
