16. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach for an update on the programme for Government. [6067/26]

Sentiment score: 0.00

I want to raise with the Taoiseach the unacceptable delay in paying agreed pension increases to retired workers of An Post and CIÉ. A 7% increase for An Post pensioners was agreed back in September. The Minister was asked to approve this increase from 23 October, yet pensioners are still waiting while the Minister stalls and delays. It has been almost 18 years since CIÉ pensioners have received any sort of increase in their pension. An agreement was finally reached last May between the unions and CIÉ. However, the Government is sitting on this and stalling any progress. The stalling is causing huge financial hardship for pensioners already struggling in a cost-of-living crisis. Will the Taoiseach explain what is causing the delays and when these pension increases will finally be paid?

Sentiment score: 0.09