asked the Minister for Transport and Power the reason for the delay in approving amendments to the CIE superannuation scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Superannuation Scheme.
60.
Under Section 44 of the Transport Act, 1950, the onus is on CIE to make proposals to me for both new superannuation schemes and the amendment of existing superannuation schemes.
On 9th May, 1973, CIE submitted proposals for the amendment of the clerical and supervisory grades pension schemes.
On 31st July, 1973, CIE, following about 12 months negotiations with the unions, submitted to me proposals to amend the CIE wages grades pension schemes.
The drawing up of and the examination of proposals for the amendment of superannuation schemes is of its nature a slow time-consuming operation involving not only my Department but also the Department of the Public Service but I now hope to be in a position to finalise them shortly.
Could the Minister tell me if any arrangements have been made to enable CIE to be responsible for the superannuation of employees of the CDR which they took over some time ago in the amalgamation? The Minister may require some time to look into this as the information may not be readily available to him but I am thinking of a person who retires after 37 years and gets no pension. I tried to raise it by question but it was ruled out by the Chair.
I may not be able to satisfy the Deputy but, according to what I have here, there are three major pension schemes covering the CIE clerical grades.
This would be nonclerical. If the Minister would get his colleagues to look it up and let me know I should be quite happy.
Certainly.
Is it true that a percentage is still being stopped from pensions of retired clerical officers towards this scheme whereas, in fact, a refund is now long overdue?
I cannot now give a positive answer to the Deputy's question. I do not know the answer.