asked the Minister for Lands if a decision has yet been made by his Department with regard to (a) a pension scheme and (b) a sick-pay scheme for manual workers employed by his Department for whom no scheme is already in existence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pension and Sick Pay Schemes.
24.
So far as the first part of the question is concerned, I have nothing to add to my reply to the Deputy of 15th March last. Regarding the second part the matter is still under consideration and a decision is expected shortly.
Would the Minister not agree this is a ridiculous sort of answer, in view of the fact that this is under consideration since 11th February, 1965? Every time the question is put down in this House, by myself or some other Deputy, the reply is that it is under consideration and that a decision will be given shortly. Surely the Minister should insist on getting a final decision in a simple matter of this kind?
The matter is not so simple, as the Deputy is well aware. It refers to a large number of State employees. I said in the second part of my reply that a decision is expected shortly from the Government, and I mean shortly.
The Minister will recollect he gave practically the same reply three months ago?
Not quite. There has been a competition in repeating this question by the Deputy and other people in this House over the past three months when they know the Government are about to announce a decision in the matter.
I can assure the Minister that the competition will be hotted up if he does not hurry up.
It is a question of these people trying to take credit for something they know is coming.
You cannot take credit for it when you have not done it.
(Interruptions.)