asked the Minister for Transport and Power what progress has been made in the preparation of a new pension scheme for clerical and supervisory grades in CIE.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Pension Scheme.
4.
Under section 44 of the Transport Act, 1950, the onus is on CIE to make proposals to me for amendment of superannuation schemes. I have received no such proposals from CIE in respect of amendments to clerical and supervisory superannuation schemes.
However, I am aware that aware that amendments to these schemes are the subject of detailed negotiations between CIE and the trade unions. These negotiations have not yet, I understand, been finalised. I might add that I have already approved a proposal to backdate to 1st January, 1971, any improvements in benefits resulting from the present negotiations.
Could the Minister tell me the reason for the delay? I asked about this 12 months ago.
They are working out the details with CIE. The group that met me were concerned to ensure that, when the details had been finally settled and a definite result agreed upon, the backdating situation would arise. I have given this assurance to the trade unions and to everybody concerned. In my view, that is the important aspect. There will be backdating to 1st January, 1971.
Are there difficult actuarial calculations?
Yes, there are.
It is not the first such plan ever prepared.
I know that, but the backdating principle has been agreed upon. That is important.
Did it take the Minister a long time to make up his mind about this?
No, we agreed on that straight away. There was a reasonable Minister with reasonable trade union officials.
There must have been a delay somewhere.