asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the hearing of the claims for compensation occasioned by loss of employment owing to railway amalgamation made by a number of ex-railway workers is held up awaiting the appointment of an Arbitrator, and if he will expedite the appointment in order that the cases may be dealt with.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ex-Railwaymen's Compensation Claims.
Under the provisions of Clause 8 of the Third Schedule to the Railways Act, 1924, the appointment of an Arbitrator for the hearing of claims of the kind to which the Deputy refers rests with the Chief Justice. I may add, however, that I understand a case has been brought before the Supreme Court dealing with the powers of the Arbitrator, and that pending the Court's decision no further cases will be adjudicated upon by the Arbitrator.
Has the Minister made any representations to the Chief Justice, or is it for him in such a case to do so, and, if so, what has been the result?
I have no power to expedite the giving of a decision in a case now before the Supreme Court.
I am referring to the failure to appoint an Arbitrator in lieu of the one who resigned a long time ago.
I have no reason to believe that the appointment of an Arbitrator will not be made as soon as the decision of the Supreme Court has been announced.