asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will state the amounts standing to the credit of the CIE wages grade pension fund as at 31st December, 1965, and 31st December, 1969.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Pension Fund.
5.
I am informed by CIE that the amounts standing to the credit of their wages grade pension fund were—
(a) £4,583,559 on 31st December, 1965, and
(b) £6,542,193 on 31st December, 1969.
While the fund is increasing the liabilities on the fund are increasing at an even greater rate.
Can the Minister state how many increases in pensions he has granted since 1965?
There have been increases in pensions and if the Deputy puts down a question we can spell it out for him.
Is the Minister aware that there is grave dissatisfaction among CIE pensioners in regard to the level of pensions?
Although it is more relevant to the Deputy's next question, I might mention that I met a deputation from the CIE pensioners last autumn. As a result of that, the Government decided to grant an increase of 10s per week to the pre-1963 CIE pensioners and, as I shall inform the Deputy in reply to his next question, I met a deputation from the same association last Friday. I am having the case examined as to the financial consequences in regard to post-1963 CIE pensioners.
Would the Minister not agree that it is wrong to have the pensions granted to CIE personnel linked with social welfare benefits, especially at the old age pension level? The pensions are reduced when a pensioner is in receipt of an old age pension.
There is total compensatory provisions under the social welfare code, as the Deputy is well aware.
It is a very niggardly policy.
6.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power when he will meet a deputation from the National Pensions Association of CIE to discuss with them the pension position of post-1963 pensioners.
I met the deputation concerned on 26th June and I am having the case made by them examined.
Can the Minister state when this examination will be concluded?
It will take some time. The financial implications must be looked into as well as the entire financial situation of CIE. All these matters are connected.
The Minister gave a decision on the pre-1963 pensioners last autumn. It is now July and surely the Minister will agree that quite a considerable time has elapsed?
The Deputy may not be aware of the facts of this matter. The pre-1963 CIE pensioners got an increase of 10s per week as from the 1st March, 1970.
What will happen to the post-1963 pensioners?
That is another day's work.
I know that, but no work is being done.
I am calling Question No. 7.