asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will say (i) when it is proposed to discontinue the Dublin-Dalkey tram service; (ii) what provision is being made for the drivers and conductors at present employed on this line; and (iii) whether, in accepting alternative employment on, say, single-deck buses, they will retain their present pay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin-Dalkey Tram Service.
The discontinuance of the Dublin-Dalkey tram services as on and from 3rd July has already been announced by Córas Iompair Éireann. All tram drivers and conductors who are suitable as to age and health are being transferred to the bus services. Men who are over 60 years of age are being retired, but agreement has been reached between the company and the unions in regard to special pension provisions for these men. Alternative employment is being found for the few remaining men who are unsuitable for employment on the buses. There will be no transfers of tram drivers or conductors to single-deck buses so that the last part of the question does not arise.
Is the Minister aware that certain men in the Ballsbridge depot have received a week's notice terminating their employment? Some of them have been in that employment for over 30 years. The employment is being terminated specifically as a result of the closing down of this tram line.
My information is that for those men over 60 years of age for whom suitable alternative employment is not available special concessions have been made in regard to pension by agreement with the unions concerned.