asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will consider the introduction of a scheme to provide pensions for farm workers on the lines of the scheme for county council workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Workers' Pensions.
6.
The Deputy is, of course, aware that farm workers, as insured persons, can qualify for old age contributory pension under the Social Welfare Acts. In addition, legislation is in course of preparation for the introduction of a limited scheme of retirement pensions at age 65 for which these workers will also be eligible. Further developments in the field of social welfare pensions are also envisaged and the position of agricultural workers, as of all other workers, will be fully considered in this connection.
Would the Minister not consider introducing a pension scheme for farm workers employed by his Department, as a pilot scheme?
That would be appropriately a matter to be discussed between my Department and the unions.
Because of the fact that the unions have so far made no impression on the Minister's officials, I thought, perhaps, the Minister might be a bit more soft-hearted in his approach.
The Deputy is not in a position to know whether they made an impression on the Minister or not.
I can only judge by results and so far the results indicate that they have made no impression.
We do not produce instant results but we produce very sound results.
Unfortunately, farm workers do not live long enough.