asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that boatman Thomas Bolger, who had 50 years' continuous service with the Grand Canal Company, has been refused a pension, and received a gratuity of only £50 on retiral; and, if so, if he will make representations to the board of Córas Iompair Éireann to grant this man a pension similar to that paid to employees of the former Great Southern Railways.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retiral of Grand Canal Company Employee.
My functions in relation to Córas Iompair Éireann do not extend to questions concerning the gratuities paid by the board.
I have, however, made inquiries from Córas Iompair Éireann and am informed that the gratuity paid to Mr. Bolger who retired on November 25th, 1950, was determined in accordance with the practice of the former Grand Canal Company which had no pension scheme for its wages staff.
Will not the Minister think it a reasonable thing to make representations for a man who had 50 years' continuous service and who is given a gratuity on retirement amounting to £1 per year of service? We are not bound by these regulations. Would not the Minister make representations to the board to treat a case like that on its merits?
The Deputy may be aware that I was not very enthusiastic about transferring the Grand Canal Company to Córas Iompair Éireann. Now that it has been transferred, I think there is an obligation on Córas Iompair Éireann to work out a pensions scheme for these canal employees and that the company has that under consideration.
I am asking the Minister to make representations. The board has refused to give these men any more than £1 per week.
That was the practice of the Grand Canal Company, and this man's services were given to that company.
All that I am asking is that this man should get the same pension as that paid to Great Southern Railways employees. That would not be asking too much.