asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will reconsider the case of ex-GNR workers who lost their opportunity of employment in the Dundalk Engineering Works group of companies by virtue of being dispensed with on reaching sixty-five years of age a few months, and in some cases a few days, before the take-over of the GNR by CIE.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Former GNR Workers.
20.
GNR workers whose services were dispensed with on reaching the age of 65, before the take-over of the GNR by CIE, had their superannuation rights statutorily preserved. Such a worker would not have acquired any additional right through employment for a period in the Dundalk Engineering Works, and accordingly the question of any reconsideration does not arise.
Is the Minister aware that if the GNR had not been taken over, these men would have been allowed to work there until they were 70 and, from that point of view, they have lost five years' employment? Is the Minister further aware that there is a man walking around Dundalk at the moment with a pension of 6/8? That is his superannuation after 40 years' service. On that basis, would the Minister not reconsider the position?
The House passed legislation dealing with these men. That is the position.
The Minister could legislate again.