asked the Minister for Transport when he proposes to authorise the implementation of the recently agreed pension scheme for CIE employees; and the reason for the delay in ratifying the scheme to date.
575.
Written Answers. - CIE Pension Scheme.
574.
asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that some employees of CIE are only receiving a pension of £14.75 per week; and if he proposes to introduce amending legislation to allow for higher pensions.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 574 and 575 together.
I am not in a position, because of present financial considerations as announced by the Minister for Finance in the budget statement of 21 July 1981, to approve at this time the implementation of a definitive wage-service related pension scheme for CIE wages grades employees even if an agreed scheme existed. I am, however, prepared to approve an extension of the existing interim pension scheme, and I have asked CIE to open negotiations to that end. I hope that such a further interim scheme will substantially improve existing pension arrangements. I have also agreed that negotiations between CIE and the unions on the definitive scheme may continue on the understanding that such a scheme could not be introduced until such time as financial considerations permit.