andMr. Norton asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether, in view of the fact that the present time limit of July 1963, fixed by the Transport Act, 1958 for the compensation provisions for redundant CIE workers, was so fixed in the anticipation that CIE would be financially solvent by that date, and in view of the likelihood that CIE will not have achieved solvency by that date and that further redundancy may occur, he will now take steps to have these compensation provisions extended.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Redundant CIE Workers.
34.
The provisions in the Transport Act, 1958 were designed to facilitate the reorganisation of the CIE undertaking over a five year period. As it is expected that further redundancy may arise out of such reorganisation in the period between the 15th July, 1963 (on which date the provisions for redundancy compensation expire) and 31st March, 1964 the extension of the compensation provisions until the latter date is under consideration.
The position after 31st March, 1964 will fall to be considered later in connection with comprehensive transport legislation to replace the Transport Act, 1958.
May I take it from what the Minister has said that it is proposed to introduce amending legislation to provide for continuity in these compensation clauses in the 1958 Act which will lapse in July of this year unless prolonged by further legislation?
I have already said that it is under consideration.
I want more than "under consideration".
A decision has not yet been reached.
You can consider it and do nothing. I want something done, following that consideration.
I have said the matter is being considered and the Deputy can be assured——
These people will be covered?
——that it will be considered sympathetically. It is impossible for me——
Why be so cagey? We are dealing with people who gave 30 or 40 years' service to the railway.
I have said that the matter is under consideration.
The Deputy was fairly cagey himself in his time.
Do not be smart. The Minister for Agriculture should stay quiet.