asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has authority to request Córas Iompair Éireann to submit to him for approval a scheme for increased pensions for former members of its wages grade staff who retired before the implementation of the 1956 scheme; and, if so, if he will so request them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - C.I.E. Pension Scheme.
3.
There is no provision in the Transport Acts authorising me to make a request of the kind suggested in the question.
Pension rates are related to the contributions previously made to the pension fund by the pensioners concerned and by C.I.E., and it may be taken that, as in the case of one such increase already granted, the cost of any increase in the pensions of existing pensioners would fall to be met by C.I.E. in the form of ex-gratia payments.
The extent to which C.I.E. could add to their commitments would be a matter entirely within discretion of the Board, having regard to their statutory obligations.