asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has any proposals to increase the pensions of former CIE workers to take account of increases in the cost of living.

(Cavan): The pensions of all former CIE employees who are in receipt of pensions from the superannuation schemes catering for CIE salaried and wages grade staffs are reviewed annually at 1st July along similar lines to the review of public service pensions; such a review took place on 1st July, 1976.

I am examining at present proposals to amend the CIE wages grades superannuation schemes which would provide increases for certain CIE wages grade pensioners. I expect this to be completed very shortly and in time for the next cost of living review in July, 1977.