With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together.
Under the provisions of the Turf Development Act, 1953, the initiative for submitting amendments to the Bord na Móna Superannuation schemes rests with the board of Bord na Móna. The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:-
(a) the number of pensions at present payable under the Bord na Móna Regular Employees Works Superannuation Scheme is 188;
(b) (c) Section 24 (3) (a) of the draft Bord na Móna Regular Works Employees Superannuation Scheme provides that, in addition to the normal pensions, supplementary pensions may be paid to certain pensioners at the discretion of the superannuation committee. The main purpose of the supplementary pension is to bring the level of the social welfare retirement pension— 65-70 years—up to the level of the old age pension—over 70 years. Supplementary pensions have not yet been calculated by the Bord na Móna superannuation committee for the 157 pensioners who would be eligible to receive them;
(d) (e) The sanction of my Department is not necessary since I approved the implementation of the draft scheme with effect from 4th June, 1970. Bord na Móna have however sought clarification of a number of points arising in connection with the calculation and payment of supplementary pensions and these matters are under consideration in my Department in consultation with the Department of Finance.
As supplementary pensions have not yet been paid, most of the details requested in the Deputy's second question are not available. Supplementary pensions will, I understand, be paid to eligible pensioners in due course with effect from 4th June, 1970.
