asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state whether it is now proposed to introduce legislation to provide pensions for widows and dependents of fire brigade men who might lose their lives during the course of their duties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision for Fire-Brigade Members' Dependents.
There is no immediate prospect of any legislation dealing with this matter. Under the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Acts, pensions are payable to widows and dependent children of persons insurable under those Acts. The provisions of the Acts extend to the cases the Deputy refers to.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that, on at least three separate occasions, legislation was promised for the benefit of the widows of firemen who might lose their lives. Would the Minister say what has made him change his policy since the danger to firemen is greater now than ever, and in view of the promises made by his predecessors?
There has been no change in policy.
Mr. Byrne
The Minister has stated that there is no immediate hope of introducing any kind of legislation although, as I have said, the danger to firemen is greater now than ever. It is certainly greater than it was when his predecessor promised to introduce legislation to provide pensions for the widows of firemen who might lose their lives while engaged in carrying out their work.
Question 20.
Mr. Byrne
Am I to get no answer from the Minister?
I have already answered the Deputy. There has been no change in policy, but, as I have already told the Deputy, there is no immediate prospect of this legislation being introduced.
Mr. Byrne
Will the Minister say why not?
Because other matters have to take precedence.
Mr. Byrne
Does not the Minister remember the Pearse Street fire, and that a public fund had to be got up for the benefit of the widows of the firemen who lost their lives. At that time the officials of the Department and the Minister promised legislation. We promised the public that we would not have to appeal to them again. Now our own Government is turning that down.
I am aware the widows of the firemen injured in the Pearse Street fire received substantial compensation and, in addition, they are receiving widows' and orphans' pensions.
Mr. Byrne
Does the Minister call that substantial? God help us if he does, and God help them, too.