asked the Minister for Transport and Power the present position regarding possible increases in CIE wages grade pensions which would apply to (a) persons at present retired from the service of CIE, and (b) persons now in the service of CIE; and if he will take steps to ensure that increases are paid without further delay to those now in receipt of low-level pensions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Wages Grade Pensions.
18.
The Deputy will recall that as a result of the recommendations of the Commission on CIE Pensions and Sickness Benefit, I confirmed, in March, 1965, amending pension schemes to give effect to the recommendations of the Commission for interim increases in pensions of such staff who retired after 1st April, 1963. I am informed by CIE that correspondence between the Board and the trade unions concerned on a definitive scheme, as recommended by the Commission, is proceeding.
There are at present no proposals before me for the granting of increases to CIE pensioners. Section 44 of the Transport Act, 1950, governs the preparation and approval of superannuation schemes for employees of CIE and under the provisions of this section the initiative in submitting amendments to existing superannuation schemes rests with the Board.
Pensioners who retired before 1st April, 1963, were granted increases in May, 1964, by CIE on an ex gratia basis with effect from 1st April, 1964.