asked the Minister for Transport and Power if CIE propose to increase the amount of redundancy pensions as many pensioners are finding it very difficult to exist on the rates of pensions with the increased cost of living; if he is aware that such pensions are entirely too low in present circumstances, especially where those in receipt of them cannot obtain any temporary employment; and if he will arrange to have substantial increases granted to all such pensioners.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Pensions.
29.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to redundancy compensation paid under the Transport Acts. The level of such compensation, which is based on length of service subject to a maximum of two-thirds retiring pay, is very generous and is not to my knowledge equalled in any other country. I do not propose to introduce amending legislation to provide for an increase in the rate of compensation.
30.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power (a) the dates on which proposals to amend the CIE pension scheme were submitted to his Department, (b) the nature of the proposals, and (c) the date on which the scheme is likely to be laid before Dáil Éireann.
Proposals to amend the CIE wages grade pension schemes were submitted to me at the end of February, 1968, in accordance with section 44 of the Transport Act, 1950. The proposals relate to an amendment of the interim scheme at present in operation for post-April 1963 pensioners, so as to provide higher pension rates for (a) male employees retiring on pay of (i) exceeding £14 15s 0d and not exceeding £15 15s 0d per week and (ii) exceeding £15 15s 0d per week, and (b) female employees whose retiring pay exceeds £7 per week.
I have had the proposals under consideration, in consultation with the Minister for Finance, and I hope to finalise the matter as soon as possible but I cannot say now when I will be able to make the necessary Order.