asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether, in view of his statement of 3rd December 1963 that when he had the report of the Commission which studied CIE pensions and sickness pay he would immediately consider the case of CIE pensioners who retired prior to 1956, and that the best way of promulgating a decision with regard to these pensioners would be in connection with the new transport legislation that had to be passed before 30th April, he has now considered the position of these pensioners; and if he will be in a position to announce his decision on the subject before 30th April.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Pensioners.
10.
This question of granting increases to CIE pensioners is at present under active consideration and I hope to be in a position to announce the decision at an early date, probably not later than the middle of May.
I assume that the reference in the Minister's statement of 3rd December last to transport legislation will not now be——
Anything under this will be independent legislation.
The Minister said in this House on 3rd December last that any decision that might be arrived at in regard to these pensioners would be given the force of legislation through some Bill. A Transport Bill will have to be passed before 30th April.
What I said was that the recommendations of the Commission which inquired into the general question of pensions must sooner or later be related in some way to the amount paid to existing pensioners. This matter will be considered separately from that on an interim basis and will be decided not later than May.
If the Minister reads what he said on 3rd December last, he will find that he promised that any decision in respect of these pensioners would be implemented in a Transport Bill that would have to be passed by a certain time.
I think I said that if it was connected in any way with the pensions scheme for future people retiring, it would have to come before me, as Minister.
It is encouraging to hear the Minister say he will have a decision by the middle of May.