An Post pensioners are paid from the An Post pension fund which is funded by employer and employee contributions.
Under section 13.1 of the An Post Main Superannuation Scheme 1990, as amended in 1997, 1999 and 2001, "The company may grant such increases in pensions and preserved pensions under this Scheme as may be authorised from time to time by the Minister with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance".
Authority to implement pension increases was delegated to An Post by this Department on 26 May 1989 and I am therefore not in a position to authorise any increases in pensions and preserved pensions. Traditionally, An Post has granted increases to serving staff in line with national pay agreements. Increases to pensioners have then subsequently been applied in line with increases granted to serving staff. I am also informed that the terms and conditions, including those regarding the matter of increases, as enshrined in the An Post Main Superannuation Scheme 1990, are based on those that prevailed in the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs.
I am very sympathetic to the situation of An Post pensioners and have emphasised to all parties the desirability of an early resolution of outstanding IR issues to allow pensioners to be paid any increases due.
