asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has received any representations from meter readers employed by the ESB with regard to the stamping of insurance cards on their behalf.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ESB Meter Readers.
42.
Individual meter readers employed by the ESB have recently raised again the question of their insurability under the Social Welfare Acts. This question was the subject of a decision by an appeals officer who decided in a test case that an employment of contract of part-time meter readers by the ESB is not under a contract of service and, therefore, is not insurable under the Social Welfare Acts.
I take it the Minister is aware that this type of ESB employee was previously covered by social insurance cards and that he is now worried about his future as far as benefits are concerned? Would the Minister have the matter further examined?
I appreciate the plight of a meter reader who would become unemployed or have to retire due to old age. Unfortunately, he and others like him, like the school bus drivers, are employed under a contract but not necessarily under a contract of service and insurability applies only to contracts of service. The actual terms under which ESB meter readers are paid I am not aware of but I know it is on contract rather than contract of service——
The Minister might agree this type of contract could be a way out of paying insurance stamps.
Would the Minister take this up with the ESB? We know there is a contract and this is a stumbling block. Those men get so much per meter, which is not a good method of employment and can create hardship. Bus drivers are not in the same position.
School bus drivers.
If CIE are the contractors, the driver is employed by CIE.
I did not know they had a grievance. If these men are paid by CIE surely they have no grievance.
They are paid on a daily basis.
Is the Minister aware that at one time they were contributing and they were made the case for a special inquiry? On appeal it was decided they were not insured.
As far as these two matters are concerned, especially the ESB meter readers, I will certainly take that up directly with the ESB or through the Minister for Transport and Power.