asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy (a) the appeal provisions of the Bord na Móna Superannuation Scheme for Manual Workers, as approved by his Department, and (b) if he is aware that Bord na Móna have refused to allow an employee's appeal (details supplied) to be laid before the superannuation committee on the recommendation of a rights commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord na Móna Superannuation Scheme.
33.
The appeal provisions of the Bord na Móna (Regular Works Employees) Superannuation Scheme, which is the relevant scheme for manual workers, are laid down in Regulation 44 of the Turf Development Act, 1953 (Regular Works Employees) Superannuation Scheme, 1963, as adapted by the Energy (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order, 1977.
Appeals are a matter for the day-to-day administration of the Bord na Móna Superannuation Committee. I have no function in the matter unless I am requested, under Regulation 44 (3), to appoint an arbitrator. I have received no such request. I am not aware that Bord na Móna have refused to allow the employee's appeal to go before the Superannuation Committee on the recommendation of a rights commissioner. The board have informed me that the matter at issue was heard by a rights commissioner on 20th July, 1977, and the hearing was adjourned. Since the hearing has not since been resumed no final recommendation has been made.