asked the Minister for Transport and Power what the present position is regarding deferred pensions payable to Córas lompair Éireann employees who have attained the normal retiring age of sixty-five since they retired on compensation under the Transport Act, 1958; what progress has been made since a reply of 18th May last on the same subject; and if he will state the reasons for the prolonged delay in reaching finality in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pensions of C.I.E. Employees.
15.
In my reply of 18th May, I informed the Deputy that C.I.E. had submitted an amending pension scheme to the existing Wages Grade Pension Scheme to provide for payment of deferred pensions so as to enable redundant employees to take advantage of the provisions of paragraph 7 of the Second Schedule to the Transport Act, 1958, but that the amending scheme was not confirmed under Section 44 of the Transport Act, 1950, because its provisions, taken together with those of the redundancy compensation provisions, would have involved the Exchequer in a loss.
A revised amending scheme was submitted by C.I.E. last month and the statutory public notice appeared in the daily newspapers on the 31st October, 1960. The notice indicates that the scheme has been re-submitted to me and that any person may make objections and representations to me in relation to the scheme within the period of 28 days from that date. The question of confirming the scheme will be considered without delay at the expiration of the period of notice.
Will the Minister indicate whether the redundancy involved in the displacement of those employed on the West Cork railways has been taken into consideration and has been put against the estimated loss on the line?
That has nothing whatever to do with the question.
The Minister should keep calm. We know he is a bit upset about the things that have been happening, but he should try to keep calm.