asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether it is proposed to introduce legislation, in the current session, to enable local authorities to provide for the payment of pensions to such of their employees as are not, at present, eligible for pensions on retirement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authorities' Employees and Pensions.
Yes, I hope to be in a position to introduce a Superannuation Bill this session.
Is the Minister aware that last week a number of the road men in County Dublin who had reached the age of 70 had their services dispensed with and will the Minister consider making representations to the County Commissioner to have these men kept on until the Act is passed by both Houses or, alternatively, will the Minister ensure that retrospective provisions are made in the Act for men whose services are dispensed with at the present time so that they will be covered by the pensions scheme?
I am not aware that a number of men have been dismissed because of age from their employment in Dublin County Council. I shall make inquiries into the matter and if the Deputy puts down a question in a fortnight's time I will give him a reasonable reply.
Will the Minister say if the proposed pension scheme will cover road workers?
That would be a matter for the local authority.
Am I to understand from the Minister's reply that he will consider the advisability of introducing a clause which will make these pensions retrospective?
No.
The position is the same in Cork as it is in Dublin. A number of men were put off at 70 years of age on a pension of 6/- a week because, as they were told, they could look elsewhere for the State pension. The Minister should look into that state of affairs.
I have said that in regard to the dismissal of men from the service of the Dublin County Council, because of age, I would look into the matter and give a reply in a fortnight, but I am not committing myself, at this stage, at any rate, to make any provisions of the proposed Superannuation Bill retrospective.
The Bill does include road men.
The Bill is permissive and will cover all the officers and employees of local authorities. It is permissive.
But does not the Minister realise the fact that some of these men have had 50 years' service?
The Deputy will have his opportunity when the Bill comes before the House. Questions 23 and 24 to be taken together.
Questions 23 and 24 are different.
Will the Deputy hear the Minister's reply first?
Very good.