asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has received a request from the National Pensioners Association of CIE for a meeting with him; and if he will make a statement on the proposals put to him by that association.
15.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Pensioners Association.
14.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the total number of CIE pensioners in (a) the city of Dublin and (b) rural areas.
16.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the amount of money in the CIE pension fund on 1st May, 1971.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle. I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 15 and 16 together. I met a deputation from the National Pensioners Association of CIE on 3rd June, 1971, and I am considering the representations made in consultation with CIE.
The number of weekly paid CIE wages grade pensioners in (a) the city of Dublin is 1,467 and (b) in areas outside of Dublin 2,616.
The amount standing to the credit of the CIE wages grade pension fund at 31st December, 1970—the latest date for which figures are available-was £7,108,364. At its last actuarial valuation on 31st December, 1968, the fund was in deficit to the amount of £3,065,000.
Could the Minister say what action he has taken on the proposals of the National Pensioners Association of CIE following the meeting of 3rd June, 1971?
Perhaps the Deputy was not listening. It is now 22nd June. I met them less than three weeks ago. We had a very comprehensive meeting covering a number of aspects concerning pensioners' problems. The result of the meeting was that the association were to go back and prepare a detailed case for me. I have just received a detailed case from them and am having discussions with CIE about the numerous problems.
Could the Minister give an assurance that he will not keep the association waiting as long for the next meeting as he did for the last one?
I have met this association more often than I have met any other association. There has been no question of delay. Our relations are excellent and I appeal to the Deputy not to cause trouble in this matter.