asked the Minister for Transport and Power when he will introduce the new pension scheme for widows and orphans of CIE salaried staff.

Under section 44 of the Transport Act, 1950 it is for CIE to submit proposals to me for both new and amending superannuation schemes.

In January, 1974 CIE submitted to me for approval in principle draft proposals for a widows and orphans pension scheme to cover salaried staff employed by the company.

I have told CIE that I have no objection, subject to certain conditions, to the introduction of a widows and orphans pension scheme on the lines proposed by the company. I have also agreed that such a scheme may be introduced with retrospective effect to 1st January, 1973. I understand that CIE are, at the moment, drafting the regulations which will be necessary for the formal approval of the scheme. I might mention that because of the complicated nature of the scheme CIE will be having further discussions with the trade unions before submitting the final draft to me for confirmation.