asked the Minister for Finance whether, having regard to the recent further advances in the cost of living and the grave hardships which are being inflicted on post office officials and other State servants who retired on low rates of pension when the cost of living was substantially lower than at present, he will now give favourable consideration to the question of granting an increase in the present pensions in the case of such persons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increase of Pensions.
I am unable to hold out any hope that an increase in the pensions in question can be granted, in view of the existing heavy commitments in respect of non-effective pay.
Would the Minister not hold out some hope that something might be done in respect of those in receipt of low scales of pensions who, as he must know, suffer acute hardships because of the increase in prices?
I am afraid I cannot go any further than the reply I have given.