asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that a conflict of views exists amongst local authorities as to whether employees of such authorities are liable for contributions in the event of their being in the employment of the local authority on the date of the adoption of Part III of the Local Government (Superannuation) Act, 1948; and if he will take steps to have the position clarified.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Government (Superannuation) Act, 1948.
There is a conflict of opinion between the Department and the City Manager, Cork, as to the liability of existing servants in Cork Corporation to pay contributions having regard to the terms of Section 63 (5) of the Act. This matter is the subject of correspondence with the city manager at present and will be settled, if necessary, by amending legislation.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he will introduce proposals for legislation to amend the Local Government (Superannuation) Act, 1948, with a view to securing (a) that workers who are disemployed by local authorities within a reasonable period prior to the adoption of Part III of the Act and who had lengthy periods of service will be granted pensions; and (b) that the contribution rate for road workers will be reduced to a figure more in conformity with their rates of pay.
The provisions of the Act will be reviewed in due course in the light of their operation.
Arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, in view of the fact that the rate of contribution to the superannuation and pension scheme cannot but be regarded as a heavy burden upon road-workers earning on an average £3 to £3 10s. per week, will he take into consideration the actual position with a view to alleviating this hardship?
I have already told Deputies that it is intended that the Act shall be reviewed after it has been in operation for a period of approximately 12 months. In respect of County Dublin, the Deputy's own constituency, the Act has only been in operation for one month. The question of contribution will be reviewed with the general revision of the Act.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that county council workers who are employed upon turf production and bog development in rural improvement schemes are suffering considerable hardship because their service upon such schemes is not recognised as valid for the purposes of the Local Government (Superannuation) Act, 1948; and whether, in view of this, he will introduce proposals for legislation to amend the Act so as to remove this disability.
I am not aware of the position referred to by the Deputy. The Local Government (Superannuation) Act, 1948, does not apply to persons employed, otherwise than in a supervising capacity, on any work or scheme of works the expenses of which are in whole or in part met from moneys provided by the Oireachtas for the provision of employment and the relief of distress. The persons concerned are clearly not in the permanent employment of a local authority, and it is not seen how the question of superannuation would arise. Perhaps, however, the Deputy will furnish fuller particulars of the cases in which he considers that hardship does arise.