asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the grievance suffered by some Electricity Supply Board employees who spend many years on probationary service which is not taken into account for pension purposes; and if he will have steps taken to amend the Electricity Supply Board Manual Workers Superannuation Scheme with a view to having such service credited for pension purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pension Rights of Electricity Supply Board Employees.
11.
Mr. Ryan
I am not aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy. All members of the established manual staff of the Board are eligible for entry to the Scheme and unestablished employees with certain continuous service and prospects of permanency are also eligible for admission to the Scheme. Credit is not given for service prior to admission to the Scheme. The question of amendment of the Scheme is one for consideration in the first instance by the Electricity Supply Board and members of the Scheme. I am not empowered to amend the Pension Scheme unless proposals for amendment have been submitted to me by the Board.
12.
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he has received any representations with a view to increasing the pensions payable under the Electricity Supply Board (Superannuation) Act, 1942, and to having amendments made in the Electricity Supply Board Manual Workers Superannuation Scheme; and if he will state the nature of such representations.
Provision is being made in the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill, 1959 to grant to pensioners of the Electricity Supply Board increases in pensions similar to those granted to State employees generally under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1959. Certain proposals for the amendment of the Electricity Supply Board Manual Workers Superannuation Scheme are under consideration by me at the present time but these amendments are of an administrative nature and are not designed to grant increases in the amount of pension. I have received no other representations for the amendment of the superannuation scheme concerned.