Mayo Senator Paddy Burke has called for occupational pensions to be increased.
During a recent Seanad Order of Business hearing, he stated: "Occupational pensions, for example with An Post, Coillte, the Irish Aviation Authority and even Eircom, are only approximately €240 per week now, compared to the State pension of €265 per week, without taking allowances into account. They have fallen far behind. I ask the Leader to contact the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform about this issue. It is not good enough for those pensions to fall so far behind.
"Government intervention is needed to grant the increases every year. For instance, between 2008 and 2022, An Post got an increase of 6.7%, whereas the State pension was increased by 18.8%. There is a difference of more than 12% in that period. We propose that the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the Minister for Social Protection be contacted about this issue as those in receipt of occupational pensions have done the State great service and their pensions should be brought in line with the State pension."
Leader of the Seanad, Lisa Chambers, who chaired the discussion, acknowledged Senator Burke's request, stating: "Senator Paddy Burke mentioned the fact that occupational pensions are falling behind the State pension. It might be worth looking at a further debate in the new term. Engaging with the Minister for Social Protection will be an important aspect of that."
