asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the hardships being borne by Córas Iompair Éireann pensioners due to the fact that their pensions have been reduced considerably in value due to the continual increase in the cost of living, and that the pension at present is only £1 17s. 6d. per week, reduced in many cases to six shillings per week when pensioners reach the age of 70 years; and, if so, if he will state his proposals to reduce these hardships and if he will recommend that these pensions be increased and that the full pension be paid to the men whose pensions were reduced to six shillings per week.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Córas Iompair Éireann Pensions.
Mr. Byrne
I am aware that the Córas Iompair Éireann pension schemes provide that on retirement at the normal pension age of 65 years a member may exercise one of the following options:—
(a) £1 0s. 0d. per week for life, or
(b) £1 10s. 0d. per week for a period of five years, thereafter reducing to 12/- per week for the remainder of his lifetime, or
(c) £1 17s. 6d. per week for a period of five years, thereafter reducing to 6/- per week for the remainder of his lifetime.
I understand that in many cases the option at (c) above is selected, as the reduction at the age of 70 qualifies pensioners for the maximum amount of old age pension.
Under the provisions of the Transport Act, 1950, the Minister for Industry and Commerce is not empowered to initiate amendments to an existing Córas Iompair Éireann pension scheme. Any proposals for amending these schemes must be submitted to me by Córas Iompair Éireann.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that there is grave dissatisfaction at the fact that men having come to the age of 70 years—men who served this country in the troublesome days—are now in receipt of only 6/- per week from Córas Iompair Éireann? Under these circumstances would he consider introducing legislation with a view to giving an increase in pension?
Any man who at 70 years has a pension of 6/- has it because he selected that in preference to the alternative arrangements— arrangements which produced that result.
Is the Minister aware that the 6/- referred to is not a pension but an ex gratia allowance?
It is a pension payable under the pensions scheme.
Mr. Byrne
I asked the Minister would he consider the introduction of new legislation to give them an increase in pension because he knows that many of those men served the State and risked their lives in order to serve it in the troublesome days and now they only get 6/- per week from the State.
No new legislation is required. That is a gross misrepresentation of the position.