asked the Minister for Labour the approximate number of male and female workers at present contributing to the redundancy payments fund.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Redundancy Payments.
98.
It is not possible at this stage to give the figures requested by the Deputy, but on the basis of returns relating to the Social Insurance Fund I estimate that the approximate number of contributions to be paid each week to the Redundancy Fund on behalf of female and male workers should be 190,000 and 380,000, respectively. More reliable figures in this regard will be available after the Act has been in operation for about six months.
99.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will state in respect of the redundancy payments scheme how many consultations have taken place with representatives of building employers and employees with the object of introducing a special redundancy payments scheme for the classes of workers concerned; and what is the up-to-date position.
100.
asked the Minister for Labour to what extent consultations have taken place with the various employers' and workers' representatives with the object of introducing a special redundancy payments scheme for the classes of workers which are contributing to the scheme but are at present excluded from obtaining benefit; and what is the up-to-date position in respect of this matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.
I must make it clear that all workers in employment which is insurable for all benefits under the Social Welfare Acts are included in the main Redundancy Payments Scheme. This has been done with the approval of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. The reason for it is that, even amongst classes of workers for whom a special scheme may ultimately be introduced, there are substantial numbers of workers who can benefit under the main scheme.
To date I have established two committees, consisting of representatives of workers and employers and representatives of my Department, to examine the feasibility of special redundancy schemes for building workers and dock workers. The committee dealing with building workers met on seven occasions and the committee dealing with dock workers met twice, but no agreement has so far been reached on proposals for a special scheme in either case.
I have received no request from either workers or employers to have a special scheme prepared for any other class of workers. I would, of course, be prepared to consider such a request if it were made to me.
Is the Minister in a position to say what has been the conclusion of the last meeting in connection with the problems affecting dock workers, having regard to what the Minister has said in connection with the meetings affecting building workers?
I mentioned that, so far, nothing has been agreed.
Would it not be proper to say that, on the last occasion they met, they agreed they could not come to any finality about the matter? Would the Minister also indicate the up-to-date position in connection with dockers?
I am giving the position as I know it. The building committee met seven times but there has been no agreement. The dock workers' committee have met twice and there has been no agreement.
With regard to the Minister's reference to not having had any requests, would he not agree that the initiative for the creation of redundancy payments was taken by himself? What exactly is the present situation and what is his intention?
The Deputy is as familiar with the provisions of the Act as I am.
I am very familiar with the Act. Having regard to the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, and not wishing to take advantage of the absence of the Minister for Labour, I propose to raise this matter when he returns from India.
It will be necessary to give notice on that occasion.
I shall do so.
The Minister for Finance is now relieved.
101.
asked the Minister for Labour the number of firms of which he is aware that provide private superannuation schemes and which have made provision for redundancy payments within those schemes.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply of 26th October, 1967, to a similar question tabled by him.
For the purpose of the record, would the Minister not agree that it is imperative to take stock of the situation before one sets about introducing legislation? On a previous occasion, the Minister indicated that the information was not available and now we have this reply today. If one is to take serious stock of the situation with a view to introducing legislation, surely such information must be available? Either it is a fact or it is not.
The Deputy is in a very argumentative mood.
No, he is not. We were made a promise by the Minister which, as yet, he has not fulfilled.