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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 May 1943

Vol. 89 No. 19

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retired Postal Workers' Pensions.

Mr. Byrne

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if the claim of retired postal workers for an increase in pension to correspond with the increased cost of living, and also the claims of lowly-paid workers for increase in wages or bonus have been considered; and, if so, with what result.

Under the Superannuation Acts questions relating to the pensions of civil servants, including postal workers, are proper to the Minister for Finance. An increase in Civil Service bonus was granted, as from 1st June last, to the lower-paid workers of the Department whose wage consists of basic and bonus payments, and a further emergency bonus has been granted to these and the other lower-paid workers of the Department generally, as from 1/1/43. Tradesmen and industrial workers employed by the Department are paid at the rates applicable to similar workers in outside employment, and they are granted any increases authorised by way of bonus Orders to those classes.

Mr. Byrne

Is the Minister aware that a very large number of postal employees retired under the age limit —65 years—in pre-emergency days on the most miserable allowance which could be made to any body of men and that they got no additional assistance from anybody? They are not eligible for any grants outside to enable them to meet the increased cost of living. Will the Minister give favourable consideration to the claims of those retired men who gave very valuable service to the State and enable them, if possible, to procure the necessaries of life?

That is an entirely new principle which does not concern the Department of Posts and Telegraphs.

Mr. Byrne

Why not?

It is proper to the Department of Finance.

Mr. Byrne

This is the proper place in which to raise it and the Minister for Posts is charged with responsibility for the employees of the postal services. I am asking him to give them a fair "do".

The Minister cannot work a miracle.

Mr. Byrne

Is the Minister aware that some postal workers are the lowest paid of any of the labouring type in Ireland? Some have less than 35/- a week.

That is a separate question. The question on the Order Paper deals with pensions.

Mr. Byrne

There are men with 35/- a week in the service of the State and some of them have to maintain large families.

The Deputy referred to that in his question and was, therefore, in order in putting a supplementary.

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