asked the Minister for Lands whether he will make arrangements to introduce for the benefit of forestry workers a contributory pension scheme similar to that in operation for county council workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Workers' Pension Scheme.
Mr. O'Higgins
Forestry workers as a class are similar in status and conditions to a number of classes of subordinate employees throughout the Government service. Such employees are not pensionable under any existing legislation and it would not be practicable to single out forestry workers for exceptional treatment in the matter of superannuation. Any scheme of the nature mentioned by the Deputy would involve a substantial weekly deduction from each man's wages and I have no evidence that there is any general demand amongst forestry workers for such a scheme.
In view of the fact that we have such a limited number of forestry workers and of the further fact that we have a number of workers employed in forestry over a long period of years past, is the Minister not aware of the fact that those forestry workers through their respective branches of the trade unions have requested that some consideration be given by the Government to the introduction of legislation which would enable them to be recipients of pensions? Would the Minister get a report on this matter at a very early date from those who know a little more about it than himself?
I have nothing to add.