Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
239. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek an assurance that CIÉ will await the outcome of the High Court application being made by the CIÉ pension trustees before engaging in further discussions in relation to the pension trustees 1951 scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25587/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra265. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the details of meetings his officials have had with CIÉ regarding a scheme (details supplied) during the period 1 January 2018 to 1 May 2021; the status of efforts to resolve the dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26353/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra273. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he will intervene in the current crisis relating to the CIÉ pension schemes and ensure that the company takes no unilateral action until current court proceedings are finalised and resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26475/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra274. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an assurance that CIÉ will respect all judicial processes in relation to its pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26497/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 239, 265, 273 and 274 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. Officials from my Department have regular engagement with CIÉ on matters relating to the corporate governance of the Group, including matters relating to the pension schemes.
In relation to the RWS, CIÉ has prepared and submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme, and these drafts are now being considered by my Department. There are several steps involved before an SI can be made, including the statutory consultation process.
Concerning the 1951 scheme, I understand that members were recently balloted and have accepted Labour Court proposals which emerged on 23rd November 2020.
I have therefore 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.
