asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the disparity at present existing in the conditions of employment and pension rights and rates between railway employees in the employment of C.I.E. and the G.N.R., and if he will use his influence with the board of the G.N.R. to ensure that, as far as possible, the railway workers employed by the G.N.R. will receive pensions at the same rate as C.I.E. employees.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Railway Workers' Conditions and Pensions.
I am aware that the employment conditions of the railway employees of the G.N.R. are not in all cases identical with those of the corresponding employees of C.I.E.
The initiation of any new pension proposals for the G.N.R. employees would be a matter for the board. In considering any scheme which might be submitted for my approval under Section 39 of the Great Northern Railway Act regard would be had to all the relevant factors, including the financial position of the board and the provisions of existing schemes for employees in comparable undertakings. The Act also requires consultation with the Ministry of Commerce, Belfast, regarding any such scheme.
Would the Minister consider it desirable that, as far as possible, the same pension rights at least should obtain in the case of the G.N.R. railway workers and the C.I.E. railway workers?
That matter is entirely one for the board.
Would the Minister express a view on that?