GSE 07-26 eir Superannuation Scheme
20/October/2026
Description
I write to update you regarding developments impacting members and retired members of the eircom Superannuation Scheme.
Pension Increase
First and foremost, members will be aware that an increase of 2.2 % in pensions, effective 1st July 2026, as secured by the CWU and provided for under the Accord Agreement, is awaiting Ministerial approval. While we have been assured that it will not be unnecessarily delayed, I have again written to An Taoiseach (copy attached) seeking his assistance to have this finalised to enable early payment.
Trustee Board Composition
In September, qualified members of the eircom pension scheme were asked to vote on how pension trustees are selected. The outcome of the ballot triggered by pensioners is that the Standard Arrangement has been chosen. Effectively, members of the scheme will now select the members’ trustees, instead of direct nomination by the Trade Union Alliance.
This means that qualified members, mostly comprised of pensioners, can elect the required number of trustees through a formal election process. An election notice, together with details of the nomination process for member trustee candidates, has recently been circulated by the company.
Respecting the decision, the Trade Union Alliance (CWU and Fórsa), as endorsed by the Executive Council, has decided not to participate in either the nomination or election process for pension trustee positions. Consequently, the existing members’ trustee representatives will be submitting their resignations to the Company with immediate effect subject to the conclusion of this process.
I wish to record my deep appreciation to the members’ trustees past and present for their sterling work resulting in the recovery of the funds and creating a pathway to self-sufficiency as required by the Pension Authority.
The selection process outlined above does not change how the pension scheme operates, it simply changes the manner in which trustees are selected.
Going forward, the CWU focus and obligation will be on representing and supporting our members’ interests, negotiating pay and pensionable pay increases through the normal industrial relations processes. It will also remain our intention, where possible, to have these extended to retired colleagues.
In safeguarding our collective agreements with eir, the Pension Accord will remain in place as it provides certainty and financial stability for the pension funds.
To assist members in understanding some of the pension-related terminology and to correct some misinformation that may have circulated during the balloting process referred to above, we have included a Questions and Answers section.
I would appreciate that you would bring this circular to the attention of all members and retired members.