asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that C.I.E. workers who retired on the age limit of 65 prior to 1956 received 37/6 pension for five years and thereafter on reaching the age of 70 years were reduced to 12/-, and that they have received no increase to meet the increased cost of living; and if he proposes to introduce legislation to remedy this hardship.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - C.I.E. Workers' Pensions.
The pension payable to C.I.E. workers who retired at 65 years of age prior to 1st April, 1956, and who opted for a pension of 37/6 per week for five years instead of one of the other alternatives provided in the superannuation scheme was subject to reduction to 6/- per week when the pensioner reached the age of 70 years. In December, 1957, the Government authorised C.I.E. to increase this reduced pension to 12/- per week. The responsibility for proposing amendments to existing C.I.E. superannuation schemes rests on the C.I.E. Board.
Would the Minister think of suggesting to the C.I.E. Board that, in equity, owing to the increased cost of living something should be done in that matter?
It has been done. The Deputy is out of date.
I am not.