asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will approve the new Bord na Móna pension scheme for manual workers in order to bring it into line with the pension scheme of other semi-State bodies.

A scheme to amend the Bord na Móna Regular Works Superannuation Scheme is at present under consideration with the Minister for Finance. The Deputy will be glad to hear that Bord na Móna are being informed that I will not object to the new scheme being implemented with effect from 31st August, 1972.

85.

asked the Minister for Transport and power if he will indicate (a) the date subsequent to 22nd June, 1972, on which an amending superannuation scheme was received from Bord na Móna, (b) the date on which the scheme was forwarded to the Minister for Finance, (c) the date on which approval was given by the Minister for Finance, (d) the date on which approval was notified to Bord na Móna and (e) the operative date of the amending scheme.

In accordance with section 6 of the Turf Development Act, 1953, Bord na Móna submitted to me for approval, with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance, on 8th August, 1972, a draft scheme to amend the Bord na Móna Regular Works Employees Scheme. The draft scheme was sent to the Minister for Finance on 16th August, 1972, and on 23rd October, 1972, he agreed to the implementation by the board of the amending scheme. Bord na Móna were notified of this decision on 25th October, 1972. The operative date of the amending scheme is 31st August, 1972.

Thank you very much, but would there be any connection between the fact that this question was put down and that the information was sent yesterday?

The main reason was that there was an energetic Minister.

I give full credit to the Minister but I am afraid I am slightly suspicious. However, it has achieved its objective.

I also agree that the parliamentary procedure has helped.

Would the Minister also agree that on a previous occasion when this matter was brought to his notice he was surprised at some of the things that were happening?

I agree with the Deputy.