asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that officers of the Civil Service and the Post Office who had their pensions stabilised in 1940, and officers who retired on superannuation after that date through reasons of health or age, have not received the benefit of the bonus increase made to the active staffs in 1948 in accordance with the precedent of 1946; and, if so whether he will make provision for such pensioners so as to relate their pensions to the current cost-of-living index figure.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Service Pensions.
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the affirmative.
Apart from the revisions affected by the Superannuation Act, 1947, which were related to the exceptional circumstances of stabilisation, and the increases which are being provided by the Pensions (Increase) Bill, 1949, it has not at any time been the practice to increase payments in respect of Civil Service pensions by reference to increases in remuneration granted subsequent to the date of retirement, and I do not propose to introduce legislation to make provision of the kind suggested by the Deputy.
Does the Minister not agree that were it not for the stabilisation many pensioners would now be in receipt of higher pensions?
No. Stabilisation was effected by the last Government contrary to the contract there was with civil servants. An attempt was made to readjust that situation by the Superannuation Act of 1947, but that would only apply to people who retired between 1940 and 1946.