Louth TD Paula Butterly has welcomed what she says is confirmation that a long-awaited pension increase for CIE pensioners will now be paid.
The Fine Gael TD said the development followed the latest meeting on the issue and would bring relief to retired workers who have been waiting for a resolution.
The increase is understood to be 5%, following an agreement reached in 2025. As recently as 7th October, the Minister for Transport said the statutory process required to implement the changes was still being progressed and was “well underway and imminent.”
“This is a case of no Halloween trick, just treat for pensioners at last,” Butterly said.
“CIE pensioners have waited far too long for this outcome, and I am delighted that they can now look forward to receiving the pension increase they have been seeking for so long.”
Long-running issue
The proposed increase had been agreed in mid-2025 and was expected to commence in August 2026, but payment had not yet been made by early October.
A Dáil response on 7th October confirmed that the increase was 5% and that the statutory process needed to give effect to it was still being finalised.
Butterly said she had raised the delays with the Ministers for Transport and Public Expenditure on behalf of pensioners.
“These men and women gave decades of service to keeping our public transport network moving,” she said.
“They deserved fairness, certainty and respect, and I am delighted that this issue has finally been brought to a positive conclusion.”
She also acknowledged the pensioners and representatives who continued to pursue the issue.
“I want to acknowledge the determination of the pensioners and their representatives who continued to advocate for what they believed was right. Their patience and persistence have been rewarded,” she said.
Butterly added that she was pleased to have played a role in progressing the issue.
“I am delighted to have played a part in helping bring this issue towards a successful conclusion. This will bring huge relief to CIE pensioners and their families.”
