asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if, in view of the national emergency and the possibility that our fire brigades may at short notice have to undertake a spell of exceptionally heavy and dangerous work, he will introduce, and ask the Oireachtas to pass before the summer recess, a Bill to provide a scheme of pensions for widows and dependents of the fire brigade men who might be killed during the course of their duties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Firemen's Dependents—Proposed Pensions Scheme.
It is not proposed to introduce any such Bill before the summer recess. I would refer the Deputy to the reply to his question of 28th November last.
Is the Minister aware that this Bill was promised as long ago as last November 12 months and again last November, yet there is still no sign of it?
It was not promised last November. The promise was that it would be considered in relation to a Superannuation Bill which it was proposed to introduce in the House.
Is the Minister aware that, immediately after the Pearse Street fire, this matter was taken up by the public authorities and the Government gave a promise that a Bill would be introduced on the lines stated?
We will consider it when the Superannuation Bill is introduced.
Mr. Byrne
The Pearse Street fire was two years ago.
Will we have the superannuation scheme soon?
Not before the recess.