Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
372. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he can clarify in relation to retired OPW workers, if these retired workers will receive a due pension increase; when this increase will be paid and the categories of retired workers affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13901/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the Deputy’s question regarding pension increases in relation to retired OPW workers outstanding under the Building Momentum Agreement. As the Deputy may be aware, the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) operate the pension payroll for retired OPW workers. The NSSO is working closely with the OPW to deliver the pension increases for its customers. Once the NSSO is notified of outstanding increase payments for these pensioners it will endeavour to deliver the pay increases as soon as possible to their customers.
As of the March 16th pay date, the majority of OPW employees and pensioners have received their increases. However, this task is complex due to the period of retrospection applying and the broad range of categories where arrears are due. Certain elements of the work process have been completed. However, prior to making any payments the NSSO is carrying out a comprehensive validation of the arrears values to ensure that the arrears paid to individuals are correct. Unfortunately, this means that the timeline for making these payments will be beyond end of quarter one, 2023. While it is not feasible to provide specific dates at this point, we can assure you that every effort is being made to process these payments as soon as possible. A further update will issue when the dates for payment can be confirmed.
