Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 September 2021
89. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport his plans to sign the statutory instrument to allow for agreed pension entitlement changes to the CIÉ regular wages scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43681/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra128. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will meet representatives of workers in CIÉ who face reduced pension entitlements as a result of the delay in signing a statutory instrument to give effect to agreed changes to the CIÉ regular wages scheme; the timeframe for signing the statutory instrument given the numbers of workers adversely affected by the continued delay in signing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43682/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra178. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport when he will sign the statutory instrument to give effect to agreed changes to the regular wages scheme pension of CIÉ workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44267/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 128 and 178 together.
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.
In relation to the Regular Wages Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme. These changes involve significant amendments to the Scheme which are necessary in order to address the Minimum Funding Standard requirements under the Pensions Act. These changes have been agreed by the trustees of the schemes, the employees and the CIÉ Group following extensive and prolonged engagement between all parties. There are a number of steps involved before an SI can be made, including the statutory consultation process. In this context, I would like to reassure the Deputies that my Department, in consultation with advisors in NewERA, are working on the draft SIs as expeditiously as possible.
