Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

368. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the ongoing issues regarding former RTÉ staff and access to pensions; if she has met the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38019/22]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The RTÉ Superannuation Scheme (RTESA), established under Statute, is sponsored by RTÉ. Section 91 of the Broadcasting Act provides for the RTÉ pension scheme on Ministerial approval with the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. In addition, Section 85 of the RTÉ Superannuation Scheme provides for authorisation of increases from time to time and this is for determination by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Scheme is managed by a Board of Trustees who have responsibility for overseeing the scheme’s operations, including the investment of the scheme’s assets.

Following an unsuccessful application in 2018, in December 2020, the proposal for a 2% pension increase was submitted to my Department seeking my and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform approval, as required under the governing legislation that I have outlined.

I can advise that under Regulation 85 of the RTÉSA, payment of the discretionary pension increase of 2% to RTÉ staff (backdated to January 2021) has recently been authorised by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on a once-off basis.

Implementation of the increase is currently being examined by RTÉ.

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

369. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update into the ongoing issues with RTÉ pensions and the lack of increases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38020/22]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can advise the Deputy that under Regulation 85 of the RTÉSA, payment of the discretionary pension increase of 2% to RTÉ staff (backdated to January 2021) has recently been authorised by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on a once-off basis.

Implementation of the increase is currently being examined by RTÉ.