asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether, further to his statement that the position of CIE pensioners at present retired would be considered in conjunction with the recommendations of the present commission on CIE pensions for present employees, he will give an assurance that a new scheme will in fact be introduced for present pensioners simultaneously with the new scheme for present employees' pensions; and whether he will, as an interim measure, endeavour to arrange for an increase in pension to be paid to those wages grade pensioners whose pensions are less than one pound per week.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Pensioners.
17.
Pursuant to the motion passed by Dáil Éireann on 3rd December, 1963, I have deferred consideration of the position of existing pensioners pending receipt of the recommendations of the Commission which is examining CIE pensions schemes and sick benefits. I am not in a position to give any assurance about the results of such consideration or to anticipate it by interim measures. I would remind the Deputy that the pensioners concerned are also entitled to contributory old age pension.
Has the Minister still reason to believe that the present Commission will report as promised by 31st March?
I have no reason to believe the contrary, but I have not heard anything of recent reports.
Would the Minister take steps to ascertain whether or not they will report by 31st March?
We shall keep in touch.
Can the Minister do anything to expedite the award of the arbitrator in connection with superannuated CIE personnel? There has been considerable delay. A number of pensioners are awaiting the determination of their pensions on the basis of the arbitrator's award.
The delay in the arbitrator's decision mostly relates to redundancy pay and compensation. I understand that recently the arbitrator made a number of decisions which have had the result of enabling certain persons to receive compensation or redundancy pay. I am told he is proceeding to examine the remainder as expeditiously as possible.