asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether Córas Iompair Éireann propose to prepare a scheme for submission to him to increase the pensions payable to their salaried staff so as to compensate for increased living costs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pensions of C.I.E. Salaried Staff.
19.
C.I.E. have not advised me of any proposal for a scheme to increase the pensions payable to their salaried staff.
Would I be right in saying that the Minister has indicated to the Board of C.I.E. that he would not agree to an increase? I am quite certain there is something going on.
That is not the case.
Might I ask the Minister in view of the established precedents in which adjustments in these pension scales were made on previous occasions, could the Minister indicate to the House if he, when the Board of C.I.E. does submit a proposal to him——
In reply to the Deputy, I think the C.I.E. Board will take a wise and intelligent attitude to this, taking into account that in 1950 and 1956 there were additions made to salaries and pensions by way of ex-gratia payments. I should also inform the Deputy that the whole of the pension services in C.I.E. are, to a considerable degree, linked with the pension scheme that will come into force if the Social Insurance (Amendmen) Bill passes through this House, so whatever action is taken will be relevant one to the other. It is impossible to imagine that C.I.E. could take speedy action in regard to the matter, even if they came to the conclusion that it is wise to increase their pension scales.
The Minister might hear the end of my query. If, in their wisdom, the Board of C.I.E. make a proposal to him on the lines of the proposals approved in 1951-54, would such a proposal receive the sympathetic consideration of the Minister?
That is a hypothetical question.
In reply to the Deputy, under the Transport Acts, 1944 and 1958, C.I.E. can take action of that kind themselves. They themselves can increase pensions within certain limits—within the limits of the Acts in question.
Could the Minister indicate whether he would approve——
Question No. 20.
The Chair.