Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Nov 1940

Vol. 81 No. 5

Committee on Finance. - Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill, 1940—Money Resolution.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. MacEntee)

I move:—

Go bhfuil sé oiriúnach a údarú go n-íocfaí amach as an bPrímh-Chiste no as a thoradh fáis na suimeanna san is gá chun éifeachta do thabhairt d'Acht ar bith a rithfear sa tSiosón so chun na nAchtanna Leictreachais (Soláthar), 1927 go 1935, do leasú agus do leathnú.

That it is expedient to authorise the advance out of the Central Fund or the growing produce thereof of such sums as are required to give effect to any Act of the present Session to amend and extend the Electricity (Supply) Acts, 1927 to 1935.

Mr. Norton

I submitted an amendment to this Bill, Sir, which you have ruled out of order, and I accept, of course, your ruling on the matter, but perhaps on the Money Resolution you will permit me to refer to the point.

An Ceann Comhairle

Yes, but the Deputy must not enter into a wide discussion on it.

Mr. Norton

Yes, I understand. The Minister, on the last occasion, replied to a point I raised on the Second Stage in connection with the question of introducing a superannuation scheme for employees of the Electricity Supply Board. These employees at present have no superannuation scheme applicable to them, notwithstanding the desire of the board to introduce such a scheme for their employees. In referring to the matter then, the Minister said: "Had it not been for the somewhat abnormal circumstances of last year we think that we should have been able to bring before the Oireachtas definite proposals to grant the board such enabling powers"—that is, to enable the board to introduce superannuation proposals. I should like if the Minister could clarify that statement somewhat further, and perhaps he would kindly indicate when it is hoped to introduce the necessary legislation so as to enable the board to introduce and make applicable to its staff a superannuation scheme. The matter has been outstanding now for a long time, and perhaps he could indicate when the necessary enabling legislation will be introduced.

Mr. MacEntee

I am afraid I could not fix a precise date, but negotiations have been going on between my Department, the Electricity Supply Board, and the Minister for Finance in regard to the provisions of the Bill. I think most of the major issues have been settled, but a number of points are still outstanding, and as soon as we have reached agreement on these we shall bring in a Bill in connection with this matter, but I am not in a position now to state when that will be.

Mr. Norton

Will the Minister say if the Electricity Supply Board can look forward to the introduction of legislation in the early part of next year? The matter is one that is causing considerable concern, and I am sure the Minister is anxious that the necessary legislation should be introduced. Perhaps he could give some definite assurance to the staff, so that they will know definitely that it is within sight.

Mr. MacEntee

It would be rather unwise, I think, for the Minister for Industry and Commerce to bind himself to a date, or even to say the early part of next year, because it leaves him vulnerable on two sides. If I gave the undertaking I should feel bound to do my utmost to fulfil it, and advantage might be taken of that elsewhere. The interests for whom the Deputy speaks can feel reasonably assured that they will have the Bill next year.

Mr. Cosgrave

Is there any excess on the amount disclosed in the resolution?

Mr. MacEntee

No. It only relates to the provision made in the Bill.

Mr. Cosgrave

Approximately £4,000,000.

Mr. MacEntee

Yes.

Question put and agreed to.

Resolution reported and agreed to.