asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will furnish details of the proposed amendments to the Bord na Móna superannuation scheme as supplied to the Bord na Móna group of unions following the reception of a deputation by the Minister on 30th June, 1971.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord na Móna Superannuation Scheme.
27.
No amendments to the Bord na Móna regular workers superannuation scheme have been proposed to the Bord na Móna group of unions following their reception by me on 30th June, 1971.
I should explain that I approved, in advance of the making of the necessary formal instrument of approval, an amending superannuation scheme for Bord na Móna regular workers with effect from 4th June, 1970. The Bord na Móna group of unions had discussions with me on 30th June, 1971, about further amendments which they were seeking. Bord na Móna were subsequently informed of these suggested amendments and their views were sought.
The Deputy will appreciate that negotiations on superannuation matters usually tend to be rather protracted mainly because of the need to obtain detailed costings of amendments proposed. I should like to assure the Deputy, however, that everything possible is being done to expedite a decision on the amendments.
Is the Minister aware that since 30th June, 1971 there has not been one word heard from the Department about the proposal that was made to them?
I understand that Bord na Móna are working out the revised actuarial costings, particularly in relation to the question that full service prior to 1963 be paid by Bord na Móna. They are working out the actuarial costings and I think that does take a long time.
The Minister must agree that from 30th June to 30th November is too long a period to spend making out revised actuarial costings in respect of a couple of thousand men.
I always found when I was Minister that actuarial costings took a long time. I shall tell the Minister, on behalf of the Deputy, that he would like to see expedition in this examination.
Tell him that we would like it to be finished while he is Minister. He might not get a chance if he delays much longer.
I think he will.