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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 May 1960

Vol. 181 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pensions of Former C.I.E. Employees.

7.

asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will provide extra moneys to Córas Iompair Éireann to enable the Company to increase the pensions of their employees who were retired before 1952.

I presume the Deputy's question refers to C.I.E. wages grade pensioners. The position regarding increases for such pensioners who retired before 1st April, 1956, was explained in a reply to questions on this subject on 3rd March, 1960.

As the Deputy is aware, a statutory grant-in-aid of £1,175,000 is payable to C.I.E. from the Exchequer in each of the five years ending 31st March, 1964. It is not proposed to provide extra moneys to C.I.E. for pensions or any other purposes.

Is the Minister aware that these pensioners during their years of service worked very long hours for very little pay, and that the pensions they have at present are not worthy to be called pensions? They are only pittances. In view of that, would the Minister see to it that moneys will be provided to increase their pensions? The Minister who has answered my question was generous enough to see to it in another service before he left the Department of Education. He saw to it that teachers who were pensioned on small pensions got justice, and I appeal to him to have this matter investigated.

This can be done only under legislation on the initiative of C.I.E., and not on the initiative of the Minister.

If the Minister made representations to C.I.E. that this matter should be dealt with, I am sure C.I.E. would take cognisance of the Minister's opinion.

I shall bring the Deputy's suggestion to the notice of the Minister concerned.

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