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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Airport pensioners' cuts

Summary

Deputy Brabazon raised Aer Lingus, DAA and Shannon Airport pensioners whose defined-benefit pensions have been eroded by freezes, levies and cuts. The Tánaiste said he would speak with the relevant Ministers and report back.

I wish to raise the issue of the Aer Lingus, Dublin Airport Authority and Shannon Airport Authority pensioners who retired before 2014. They report an erosion of between 55% and 60% in the value of their pensions since 2007 due to cost-of living freezes, the pension levy and retroactive pension cuts introduced in 2015. They were defined benefit pensions built up over as much as 45 years yet the rules were changed after a time without compensation or mitigation. Pensioners had no representation in these decisions. They have no income protection or security in retirement. Will the Minister review the cumulative impacts and engage directly with the affected pensioners?

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Simon Harris The Tánaiste Fine Gael

I thank Deputy Brabazon for raising the need for clarity for these pensioners, which I know he has raised previously in this House. I will speak with the Ministers, Deputies Chambers and O'Brien, and get the latest update.

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