asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether, in view of the fact that the only compensation payable to the dependents of fire brigade men who might be killed during the course of their duties is that provided under the Workmen's Compensation Act, and that the maximum amount payable under that Act is £600, he will introduce legislation to ensure the payment of substantial compensation in the event of such an occurrence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compensation for Fire Brigade Men's Dependents.
This matter will be considered in connection with an amendment of the law relating to the superannuation of local officers and employees generally.
Can the Minister give any idea as to when we may expect legislation in this connection? I think the matter has been under consideration for over a year now.
When the Local Government Bill that is at present before the Dáil becomes law this matter will be considered.
Will the Minister state whether the dependents of the victims of the recent Pearse Street fire will be covered, because it is based upon the disaster in Pearse Street that this matter is now being raised, and will he take into consideration that disaster and make the pension scheme, or whatever compensation he proposes, retrospective so as to include the widows of those who lost their lives in the Pearse Street fire?
I can give no undertaking in that matter.
I trust that the Minister will consider that matter sympathetically, because it is in connection with that disaster that this whole question arose.