asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware of the considerable hardship suffered by pensioned teachers and their families as a result of their inadequate pensions; and, if so, whether he is now or is likely to be in the near future in a position to deal favourably with the matter and bring their position more into line with that of other public service pensioners.
Written Answers. - Position of Pensioned Teachers.
As I stated in replies to similar questions on the 17th and 18th November last, the question of granting increases in the pensions paid to national teachers has been under urgent and sympathetic consideration by the Government for some time. The delay in completing the review in this matter and announcing a decision arises from the fact that it is part of a general pension problem, and that it can only be decided in the light of the budgetary position for next year which is at present under examination.