asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the needy plight of many widows of ESB manual workers; and if he will take steps to provide financial aid for the widows of ESB pensioners who are unable to work and are now in very necessitous circumstances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Widows of ESB Pensioners.
2.
Under the ESB (manual workers) superannuation scheme, pensions are paid for five years certain, whether the pensioner survives or not. In addition the scheme provides an option whereby a member can make provision for payment of a pension to his widow by accepting a lower pension himself.
Whilst I am at all times very sympathetic with the widows of any pensioner, the Deputy will appreciate that there are no funds at my disposal out of which special financial aid could be given to the widows of ESB pensioners.