Well Done All!

The representatives on the Collective Network of the ISCP presented an information and update session on THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS PROVISIONS IN RESPECT OF PENSION ENTITLEMENTS OF RETIRED WORKERS BILL 2021.  This took place in the AV Room of the Dail on Tuesday 4^th November.

We thank all the TD’s who not only attended but stayed for the full input and also engaged in an informative and supportive way during the Q&A session.  From our experience of presenting these sessions, we were really pleased with the understanding of the unfairness (experienced by retired people) expressed by many TDs and the commitment to work within their party to address this.

We particularly appreciate the many members of our affiliated organisations who travelled from all over the country to support us on the day. It was great to see the warm reception and round of applause for Brid Smith retired TD, who introduced the Bill in 2021.

The session was introduced by Paul Murphy PBP (sponsors of the BILL) and facilitated by Sue Shaw. Presentations were delivered by Eileen Sweeney (RASA), Joe Little (RTERSA), Paddy Fagan (RASA) and John Nugent (NPF). Each of the Reps spoke to the impact of not having their voice heard when it comes to their pension income. They spoke with passion as to the loss of income, the long years battling this inequality and also to the lack of interest shown by the Government parties on this crucial issue. It was stressed that this issue is as much about people in employment, our sons and daughters, considering AUTO ENROLEMENT as much as it is about those already retired. Retirement income is precious and should be protected. The session was closed by Pat Mellon ISCP.

Two things that surprised us at the event, one was the lack of awareness among many TDs, regardless of all the information they had received from the ISCP and the other thing was the comment from many TDs on how they attended the presentation because they had been contacted by their constituents and asked to attend. The learning for us, is that we need our members to visit and chat to their TDs and email them on key issues. The value of TDs listening to their local constituents cannot be underestimated and is something we need to build on. So, watch this space, we need you! 

We ask that you:

Chat to your family and friends about this issue and how it affects you now and how it will affect them in the future.

Talk to your retired colleagues and co-workers.

Talk to your TD, highlight the risk of having NO VOICE in the decision-making process.

In some cases, the pension poverty some retirees are experiencing because of the impact of having decisions made that means their income is reduced.

Update provided by Sue Shaw