Former CIÉ staff demand action on pensions

Retired employees of Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), the state holding company for Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, and Iarnród Éireann, presented a letter to An Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s constituency office on Monday demanding action be taken on increases to their pensions.

Demonstrators said they haven’t seen an increase since 2008.

More than 100 pensioners gathered outside the Taoiseach’s office on Evergreen Road in Turners’ Cross to present the letter. Martin was not present in the office to receive the letter in person.

Former staff travelled from across the country, many coming from Dublin. However, some came from further afield - one demonstrator travelled from as far away as Monaghan.

Another, Pat Crowley, came from Waterford, where he used to manage CIÉ’s office.

Originally from Cork, he said he left the city to find work before settling in Waterford.

He said what he called a lack of action on the part of the Government was “ironic, considering that his (Mícheal Martin) father was a bus driver”.

John Bowen, from the CIÉ Salaried Pensioners Association (CSPA), said they want Micheál Martin to engage with them on the issue, but the delay was causing a lot of frustration.

“What he thinks is a long time is different to what we think is a long time, but he’s not expected to live on it (the pension),” said Bowen.

He said the lack of any increase since 2008 was compounded by the fact that many ex-staff were ineligible for a full State pension and the benefits that came with that.

He said those employed by CIÉ before 6 April 1995 paid PSRI at a lower level than normal, only 1% of their income, leaving their claimable pension lower than average.

Some of those affected have been left on pensions as low as €10,000 a year. The increase in the cost of living since 2008 has also had an effect. “Some of our members are living in poverty,” he said.

In a statement before the demonstration, the CSPA said the 5% increase to pensions which was agreed last year, requires a statutory instrument to be implemented.

“This process involves CIÉ and three Government departments and appears to be at stalemate,” said the CSPA.

A spokesperson for the Department of the Taoiseach said they were engaging with all relevant stakeholders to bring CIÉ pensions onto a “more stable footing”. They noted that the Minister for Transport had overall responsibility for policy and funding in relation to public transport.