asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that the present CIE rail and bus pensions scheme gives only £16.50 p.w. for life to employees at 65 years of age; and if he will outline the future plans for improvements to the scheme.
241.
Written Answers. - CIE Pensions Scheme.
240.
asked the Minister for Transport if he will now introduce a contribution widows' and children's pension scheme for employees of CIE; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 240 and 241 together.
Recipients of CIE wages staff pensions are also entitled to pensions under the Social Welfare Acts which amount at present to £40.25 per week for a single person and to £65.95 per week for a married couple with variations upwards depending on recipients's age and age of recipient's wife. As it is on this basis that the sum of £16.50 to which the Deputy refers, and the associated contributions are calculated, it would not be appropriate to comment on the figure in isolation. However, the amount of £16.50 was settled in 1977 as part of an interim scheme and requires to be reviewed.
In this regard, as I have indicated in a reply on 26 May 1982, negotiations have been in progress between CIE and the Unions for the drawing up, in respect of the regular wages staff of CIE, of a definitive scheme on similar lines to those in operation in the public sector generally. The negotiations cover the introduction of a widows' and children's scheme. I am anxious to approve, at the earliest possible opportunity, a definitive scheme within public sector norms subject to prevailing financial considerations.