ARCOIreland is a member of the Alliance of Retired Public Servants (the Alliance), which was set up in 2013. The Alliance initially sought representation at the Croke Park II discussions. When this was refused a meeting was sought with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr. Brendan Howlin T.D., before final decisions were taken by government which could affect the incomes of public service pensioners. This request was repeated when it emerged from the Labour Relations Commission that there were pension cuts associated with Croke Park II.
Representatives of the Alliance finally met with Officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) and subsequently with Mr. Howlin in May 2013. In a follow-up letter Mr. Howlin welcomed moves to formalise the Alliance as a structure that could allow for ongoing engagement with government on public service pension matters. The Minister acknowledged the concerns raised by the delegation on the impact pension reductions were having on retired public servants. It is his intention 'as a matter of priority to move towards reducing the burden of public service reduction, with the initial focus on the people in receipt of low pensions, at the earliest date economic progress permits.'
Membership of the Alliance includes representatives from:
- Retired Higher Civil & Public Servants (RCPSA)
- Retired Civil Servants (IMPACT)
- Retired Teachers’ Unions (RSTI/RMA/TUI/RTAI).
- Retired Principals & Deputy Principals (NAPD-R)
- Retired Members of the IMO
- Retired Members of the Nurses Association of Ireland (RNAI)
- Retired Prison Officers (ARPO)
- Retired Members of Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB)
- Retired City & County Managers (RCCM)
- Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCOIreland)
- Retired Members of Shannon Development (SDPA)
- Garda Síochána Retired Members’ Association (GSRMA)
- National Federation of Pensioners Association (NFPA)
The combined membership of these bodies is 75,000. It is estimated there are over one hundred thousand retired public servants. Being part of the Alliance gives ARCOIreland a greater voice in protecting the pensions of its members.
The first Biennial General Meeting (BGM) of the Alliance took place at Westmanstown Sports Centre, Lucan, on 30th January, 2014 where delegates passed the following motions:
The BGM instructs the incoming Council to;
- Advance the interest of Public Service pensioners by every means at its disposal, recognising that the priority is to protect and restore Public Service Pensions.
- Maintain close relations with the Trade Unions & Staff Associations involved, and
- Continue ongoing development of the link with the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
In March 2014 the Alliance wrote to Mr. Howlin seeking a further meeting and stating an exit programme should now be developed which would provide a framework for ending the use of emergency powers to reduce public service pensions. A meeting was held between the Alliance and Officials from the DPER in April. At this meeting the Alliance representatives emphasised that pension issues needed to be dealt with speedily. They also stated that the Alliance wanted representation at future talks. A meeting with the Minister will take place as soon as a structure and a process of engagement has been formulated and agreed between the parties. The Alliance expects this meeting to take place before the end of July.
