asked the Minister for Transport and Power when he expects that the CIE contributory pensions (1963) scheme will be finalised; and if he will endeavour to have an early decision arrived at in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Pensions Scheme.
32.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a Question on this subject on 23rd October, 1968.
Has the Minister nothing further to add?
No.
About when?
It is very difficult to say. The second interim scheme, as the Deputy knows, is now being considered. It is a matter for negotiation between the union, the management of CIE and also the Department of Finance which has to make sure that the scheme relates in a general way to other similar pension schemes.
Surely the Minister is aware of the great hardship being endured by these people and that perhaps they will be dead and buried before this happens? A large number of CIE pensioners have been complaining about this and the Minister should do something about it quickly.
If the Deputy is referring to pre-April 1963 pensioners an ex-gratia increase has been given for the second time to these pensioners and, of course, social welfare benefits will also be increased in January.
A tiny increase— 10/- a week as far as I remember.