asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the growing dissatisfaction amongst county council road workers with the provisions of the Local Government (Superannuation) Act, 1948, and, if so, if he will indicate what steps he proposes to take to adjust the many anomalies in the schemes adopted under Part III of the Act; and, further, if he has considered the consequences of the enactment of the Social Welfare (Insurance) Bill, 1951, in relation to the Act, which will mean that these workers will be contributing from 5/- to 6/- per week from their wages in respect of social insurance and superannuation; and, if so, if he will state what proposals he has in view to relieve this burden on this group of workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Council Road Workers.
I am not aware of the growing dissatisfaction referred to by the Deputy. The operation of the Local Government (Superannuation) Act, 1948, is being kept under review in my Department with a view to the introduction in due course of any necessary proposals for legislation to amend and improve it. It is not clear at this stage whether any amendments of the Act will be necessary in consequence of the enactment of the Social Welfare (Insurance) Bill, 1951.
Am I to take it that no local authorities have made representations as to the difficulties they are experiencing in working the Act in relation to existing established servants and in relation to making long-standing employees of local authorities established servants? Does the Minister not consider that, in the new circumstances which may arise—whereby the demand which will be made on these road workers in respect of social insurance and payments under the Superannuation Act will amount to between 5/- and 6/- per week—serious consideration is necessary and does he not agree that road workers, on their present very low wages, cannot afford such a high contribution?
I am aware that the people to whom Deputy Dunne has referred as having this difficult burden placed upon them as a result of the implementation of the measure now before the House are at present paying 5/3 per week and that when this Bill is enacted they will be called upon to pay 5/8, which is an additional 5d. per week. I am not aware that an addition of 5d. per week imposes an undue hardship, having regard to the improved benefits which these people will enjoy. It is possible that complaints have been made as to the difficulties of working the Superannuation Act. I have already indicated that any difficulties which arise are being kept under review by my Department and that, as is the case in all such circumstances, it is not in the course of one month, six months or 12 months that all the difficulties that may be encountered will arise and that if, at any time, it should be necessary to introduce amending legislation it is desirable that all the weaknesses—if any—should be discovered before any proposals are submitted to this House.