asked the Minister for Finance whether he proposes to accede to the representations of the Association of Retired Civil Servants by increasing all pensions in line with increases paid to serving civil servants.
32.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pension Increases.
31.
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the increase in the cost of living and the hardship caused to retired State and other pensioners and persons living on fixed incomes, he proposes to take any steps to provide for payment of increased pensions; and, if so, when.
33.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the impact of the turnover tax and general increase of prices upon the pensions of retired State servants with a view to increasing such pensions.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 32 and 33 together.
Public service pensioners received substantial increases in 1962 and 1963, at a total annual cost to the Exchequer of £1.14 million. It is not possible at this stage to give any indication as to whether further increases in public service pensions can be authorised, but the matter will be kept under consideration by the Government in relation to national financial and economic conditions.