asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if it is his intention to introduce a retirement pension scheme for auxiliary postmen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pension Scheme for Auxiliary Postmen.
8.
The existing Superannuation Acts do not permit of the introduction of a pension scheme for part-time employees such as auxiliary postmen and the question of extending the scope of these Acts is one which the Minister for Finance would have to consider in relation to the State service as a whole.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary, through the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, make representations to the Minister for Finance before the next Finance Bill to ensure that these men, whom the Parliamentary Secretary has described as being part-time employees, although in fact they work 35 and 36 hours a week and cannot take up any other employment to supplement their income, should be entitled on retirement at 60 or 65 years to some sort of superannuation from the State?
A number of these people get gratuities at present.
From what source?
From the funds of the State.
Do I take it that the Parliamentary Secretary is pressing to have some sort of superannuation scheme introduced for these people?
The Deputy can take it that the Minister is at all times very interested in the welfare of these employees.
I do not doubt that, but I am speaking of retirement pensions, not of conditions of work. Does the Minister favour the introduction of a pension scheme for these people?
There is always the big question of a pension scheme for part-time employees of the State as a whole. All that would need to be taken into consideration.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary look after the employees for whom he is responsible?
I am sure we are always looking after them, to the best of our ability.