News
ISCP Supports RTÉ Retired Staff Association
We are happy to publish a Press Release from RTÉ Retired Staff Association (DB). It reads:
The RTÉ Retired Staff Association (RTÉRSA) is very pleased to learn that Minister O’Donovan has
rejected RTÉ’s attempt to raid our pension fund.
We mounted a very determined campaign to prevent a change to Rule 20 of the scheme which
would have transferred the administration costs of the scheme from RTÉ to the actual fund.
We believe that such a move would have been detrimental to future payments and cost of living
increments for our members. It is particularly important for those members who due to the rules of
the scheme do not qualify for a state pension or benefits and rely solely on their RTÉ pension.
It would also have set a very negative precedent for pensioners in other schemes sponsored by
Commercial State Bodies.
We would like to thank the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP) and the Retired Members’ subcommittee
of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions for supporting our campaign.
We also send our thanks to Deputy Alan Kelly ,Chair, and the other members of the Oireachtas
Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport for the interest they have
shown in our campaign and asking questions of RTÉ.
Our particular thanks go to the Trustees of the Scheme who were opposed to the RTÉ plan and to
our members for their continued determined action to stop the raid on our pension fund.
This is a good day for occupational pensioners and proves that older people can raise their voices
to good effect!
Phil Healy,
Chair
RTÉ Retired Staff Association (DB)
20th April 2026
The RTÉ Retired Staff Association (RTÉRSA), which is affiliated to the parliament, proposed a motion to our February Executive meeting seeking the national organization’s support on the issue. It was unanimously endorsed.
Pre-Budget Survey
What do you think are the most important issues for 2027 Budget?
To access the link click on: Pre-Budget Survey What do you think are the most important issues for 2027 Budget? – Fill in form
Anyone who fills out survey online gets this response “Your response was submitted. Thank you for taking the time to have your say. These survey answers will feed into our Pre-Budget 2027 submissions to various Government Departments. Submissions will be circulated to ISCP Members and will also be available on our website www.seniors.ie”
Last year’s submission to Department of Social Protection ahead of Budget 2026 is available on our website and was circulated to members via their contact person.
For a printer friendly version please click here:
If any members would like us to post them a paper copy please email us at office@seniors.ie or telephone 086 2604957.
CURRENT STATUS OF THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS PROVISIONS IN RESPECT OF PENSION ENTITLEMENTS OF RETIRED WORKERS BILL 2021 (THE BILL)
We, as an organisation are only as good as our members and we genuinely need your input and voice at local and constituency level. While, we at national level, meet with TDs and present to the various Committees, without your back up at local level, our message is diluted. The real power to influence comes through your voice and engagement with your TD at local level. IT IS YOUR VOTE THEY WISH TO SECURE.
The current Government are concerned at their fall in popularity, so more than ever, they are paying attention to their constituents and what they are saying. Remember, older people make up a high percentage of voters.
We have campaigned heavily for the proposed Bill that will give occupational pensioners a voice. Currently, they are experiencing loss of their income, without having any say in these agreements. (THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS PROVISIONS IN RESPECT OF PENSION ENTITLEMENTS OF RETIRED WORKERS BILL 2021) (THE BILL)
We have successfully worked with politicians to move this Bill through first and second stage and are now waiting on the Bills Office to agree if it needs a Money Message.
In short, a Money Message was established to ensure Government spending was adhered to when Bills are being introduced and is in keeping with the proposed Government spending plan. However, all too often, this Money Message is used to BLOCK A BILL the Government do not want to pass.
We have the full support of the opposition parties, plus many, many TDs have told us they do not agree with the inequality of older people having no voice in this crucial issue. As you will have seen in the recent News in Brief, we had a great turnout in the AV Room when we presented to TDs. Many told us they attended as their own constituents had asked them to. We also had TDs suggesting cross party work to get the Bill through the process.
Two days later, after this event, we know the Bill was referred for a Money Message. We ask you to email, or write to your TD, or if you could call into their constituency office and have a chat to help us ensure the Bill progresses to the next stage.
Update provided by Sue Shaw.
Photo taken in AV Room in Government Buildings on 4th November 2025 attended by a range of both Opposition and Government TDs