asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the hardship suffered by persons who have retired from the State and local authority services by reason of the reduced purchasing power of their pensions and whether he intends to introduce proposals for legislation to grant an increase in the pensions of such persons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State and Local Authority Pensioners.
As I indicated to the Deputy in reply to a previous parliamentary question on 6th May, 1952, I regret that I can hold out no hope of introducing legislation to increase the pensions of retired public officials having regard to the heavy State expenditure which such legislation would involve.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, will he give local authorities who are anxious to increase the pensions of their retired employees legislative authority to do so?
I think the Deputy is under a misapprehension. I have no responsibility for the pensions of local authorities.
They are prevented from doing so at the moment.
That might be a judicious thing to do.