asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that some retired civil servants who were pensioned during the past five years are in receipt of only a cost-of-living bonus based on a figure of 155 points, while other pensioners are in the enjoyment of the current figure payment representing 175 points; and, if so, if he will introduce proposals for legislation which will afford equal treatment for all civil service pensioners, as the soaring prices of commodities are of common application to all.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost-of-Living Bonus.
The allowances granted to civil servants on retirement cannot, under the existing provisions of the Superannuation Acts, exceed a prescribed proportion, appropriate to the retiring officer's length of service, of his pensionable salary and emoluments at the date of retirement. Therefore, that part of a retiring allowance which is based on bonus cannot exceed the prescribed proportion of the bonus paid to the officer at the date of his retirement. There is no power to reassess the award of pension subsequently by reference to any increased bonus which the officer would have received had he continued in the service. The effect of the Deputy's proposal would be to give an officer a pension based on a higher salary and emoluments than those actually received by him at the date of his retirement. I regret that I cannot see my way to introduce legislation on the lines suggested by the Deputy.