asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is now in a position to state when legislation will be introduced to enable local authorities to provide pensions for members of their staff who are not now pensionable.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pensions of Local Authorities' Employees.
The reply is in the negative. As I said on a previous occasion there is a large volume of emergency work demanding prior attention in my Department and I cannot, therefore, hold out any immediate prospect of introducing a new superannuation measure.
Is the Minister aware of the fact that in this House, on the 15th February, 1939, and on the 28th February, 1940, respectively, two of his predecessors indicated that legislation of this kind would be introduced? The Minister, who spoke in February, 1939, intimated that he hoped to introduce the legislation in the autumn of that year and his successor intimated in February, 1940, that he hoped it would be possible to submit the matter in that year. Will the Minister indicate what has prevented the introduction of this important legislation over that long period of years, in view, of the fact that the time of the Dáil has been dissipated in dealing with legislation of a less important character?
The Deputy is asking me if I am aware of certain facts. I am aware that a European War broke out in September, 1939, which has created problems of such extreme urgency that my Department cannot devote itself to a matter of this sort.
Is the Minister aware that, since the European War broke out, this Dáil was asked to deal with a Bill regulating tidal waters and the slaughter of immature fish? These are not types of legislation usually introduced in a country where there is an intelligent Government in office.
That is a separate question.