Letters to the Editor: Long road to travel for CIÉ pension rise

CIÉ pensioners took a hit due to the economic crash but their income has not been restored in line with others

In 2009, CIÉ's executive board decided not to grant further increases for pensioners, effectively freezing their pensions. Stock picture: Denis Minihane

Many CIÉ pensioners are on very low pensions. For example, one member of the Regular Wages Scheme in his 90s has a CIÉ pension of €52 per week, with no increase since 2008 after 46 years of service to the State.

To illustrate this injustice, take this case of two sisters. One became a teacher and the other a CIÉ clerk. Both paid a D-type stamp. Each retired the same year, 2004, after full service to the State. Both had legitimate expectations that their pensions would at least keep in line with the cost-of-living increases.