As Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, I have responsibility for the governance of RTÉ including the legislative and regulatory framework for broadcasting. Section 91 of the Broadcasting Act provides for the RTÉ pension Scheme. In addition, Section 85 of the RTÉ Superannuation Scheme provides that a pension granted, under the provisions of Regulations 48 and 49, may be increased from time to time and this is for determination by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The RTÉ Superannuation Scheme, established under Statute, is sponsored by RTÉ. 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.
The last pension increase granted to pensioners of the RTÉ Superannuation Scheme was on 15th June 2008. The increase was 2.5%.
A proposal for a 2% pension increase was submitted in December 2020, to my Department seeking my approval and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, as required under the legislation that I have outlined.
I can advise that the matter is currently under review, taking into account all actuarial information, and in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. A decision will be made on the matter when the review and consultations have concluded.