asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to an anomaly within the social welfare code which disallows bus inspectors, on promotion from bus crews to participate in the full social welfare entitlements including the old age contributory pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Code.
29.
Under existing legislation certain public sector employees are insured under the social insurance system at a modified rate which provides cover for widow's contributory pension, orphan's contributory allowance, deserted wife's benefit and occupational injuries benefit only. CIE supervisors and inspectors are included in this category. Bus drivers and conductors on the other hand are insured at the full rate and are covered for all benefits and pensions of the system.
The reason for the exclusion of certain public sector employees from full social insurance was that because of the permanent nature of their employment and the standard of their occupational pension and sick pay arrangements it was considered unnecessary for them to have full social insurance coverage in addition.
One of the recommendations made by the Commission on Social Welfare was that full social insurance cover should be provided for all public servants in return for payment of full social insurance contributions. This recommendation is being considered in the context of the examination of the commission's report which is being carried out by my Department.