Vol. 192 No. 6
andMr. Coughlan asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether in view of the hardship suffered by certain retired railway workers under the present Córas Iompair Éireann pension scheme, he will consider introducing amending legislation to ensure that all retired Córas Iompair Éireann employees receive equal pensions appropriate to their rank and service.
40.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that a number of Córas Iompair Éireann pensioners are in receipt of pensions, in some cases as low as 8/- per week; and if he will take steps, if necessary by the introduction of legislation, to increase their pensions in keeping with the increased cost of living and the changed circumstances since they opted for a pension at the time of retiral of 37/6d. per week for five years rather than £1 per week for life.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 40 together.
C.I.E. superannuation schemes may be amended under existing legislation on the initiative of C.I.E. The extent to which C.I.E. would, however, be prepared to add to their already substantial commitments for pension purposes is a matter falling entirely within the discretion of the Board. Pension rates are related to the contributions previously made to the pension fund by the pensioners concerned and by C.I.E. The full cost of any increase in pensions to existing C.I.E. pensioners would fall to be met by C.I.E. in the form of ex-gratia payments.
I should like to remind the Deputies that C.I.E. wages grade pensioners are eligible for contributory old age pensions under the Social Welfare (Amendment) Act, 1960.
Is it not open to the Minister at any time to invite the Board of C.I.E. to submit to him an amended pensions scheme? Surely the Minister must be aware that his predecessors took such steps and that it is open to him to do that when he feels the present scheme is inadequate.
I could draw the attention of C.I.E. to the present scheme.
The Minister could ask them to do it, not draw their attention to it.
I am not prepared to do it at the present time because of the fact that the new contributory old age pensions have made a very marked difference in the C.I.E. pensions.
Would the Minister undertake to examine the scheme and if he feels it needs the attention of the Board——
All these matters will be considered collectively in examining the position of C.I.E. finances from time to time.
