asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the unwarranted delay in calculating redundancy compensation under the Transport Acts in respect of a person (name supplied) and others, some of whom were retired as long ago as 1959; and if he will take steps forthwith to ensure that awards are made in these cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Redundancy Compensation under Transport Acts.
1.
I am aware of the delay in the determination of a number of redundancy compensation cases submitted to arbitration under the provisions of the Transport Acts. A provision which is intended to provide a means for expediting the determination of outstanding cases has been included in the Transport Bill, 1966, which I introduced on 8th June, 1966.
In advance of the enactment of the legislation, are there any steps open to the Minister to expedite the conclusion of these cases? I think he will agree that the delay has been quite unwarranted.
As the Deputy knows, I have no statutory powers to compel the arbitrator to make decisions. I can only bring further representations to bear and ask him to make decisions in the number of outstanding cases that exist. As the Deputy knows, a considerable number of the persons involved are, in fact, receiving redundancy compensation. They have appealed in some cases for an increase or for a change in redundancy compensation and a number of people are receiving a measure of redundancy compensation, pending hearing by the arbitrator, in regard to various matters connected with their claims.
While that is so, the real crux of the problem is that a number of them wish to make settlements in favour of their wives so that in the event of their death, it will be possible that some compensation will be available for the widows. Because of the delay in making the awards, it is not possible to make that arrangement. Perhaps the Minister would draw that aspect of the matter to the arbitrator's attention and endeavour to ensure that the matter will be concluded.
Certainly.
Surely "arbitrator" is not the correct name for somebody who takes seven years to decide a case?