asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the hardship suffered by persons who retired from the State and local authority services by reason of the increase in the cost of living since their retirement, 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 Pensions.
I would refer the Deputy to my replies to similar questions asked by him on 19th May and 5th August, 1953.
In view of statements made by members of the Government that our financial position is sound andthe economic prospects of the country bright, surely the Minister will agree that there is now some case for reconsidering Government policy in respect of these pensioners whose small pensions have shrunken considerably in purchasing power by reason of the substantial rise in prices since they retired?
Would the Minister consider making an ex gratiapayment, if he cannot see his way to granting an increase in the retired pension, on the lines of theex gratiapayment made by the Minister for Education to retired teachers who retired prior to 1950?
I have nothing to add to my reply.
Could we induce the Taoiseach to come into this question by asking him whether he thinks it fair that these people who have served the State and local authorities for upwards of 40 years should now be suffering real hardships because of the serious deterioration in the purchasing power of their pensions? Surely there is a case for doing something for these people?
In view of the fact that many local authorities are prepared to raise the money for the granting of increased pensions, will the Minister ask the Minister for Local Government to sanction these increases, where local bodies are prepared to raise the money?
That surely is a separate question.
And even if it is, the Deputy will not get any answer to it.