asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will give particulars of (a) the amount now available in the Córas Iompair Éireann employees pension fund and (b) any proposed increases of payments to individual pensioners from the said funds.
14.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Pensions
13.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will draw to the attention of Córas Iompair Éireann the hardships inflicted upon Córas Iompair Éireann pensioners by reason of the present rates of pension.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.
At 31st December, 1961, the latest date for which figures are available, there was £3,199,516 standing to the credit of the Superannuation Scheme for Wages Grade Employees Fund, £1,454,981 to the credit of CIE Salaried Officers and Clerks (GSR) Superannuation Scheme Fund, and £1,500,942 to the credit of the CIE Superannuation Scheme 1951 Fund.
CIE have made no proposals to me for increases in pensions from the said funds. Any increase for existing pensioners would have to be met in full by ex gratia payment by the Board unless the contributing members were to agree to an amendment of the schemes increasing contributions sufficiently to meet all or part of the cost.
CIE wage grade pensioners are also eligible for contributory Old Age Pensions under the Social Welfare (Amendment) Act, 1960 and CIE and their workers make appropriate contributions towards the cost of that pension.
In view of the fact that there is a large number of CIE pensioners between the ages of 65 and 70, which is the age at which they qualify for contributory pensions, would the Minister not consider that they deserve special consideration?
A large number of them made an arrangement whereby they would have a higher rate until they reached the age of 70. They opted to take a sum of money for five years and then have it reduced when they became eligible for contributory pensions.
The amount they get is 13/4d. a week and that is reduced to 6/8d. a week.
They have made different arrangements and if the Deputy wishes I will obtain them for him.
I know what they are.