asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has recently sanctioned increases in local authority road workers' pensions; if so, what increases; and, if not, if he will sanction pension increases for these workers in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pensions of Road Workers.
29.
Local authorities have been authorised in a Circular Letter which issued from my Department on 6th November, 1964, to grant a 5 per cent increase in pensions to all local authority pensioners, including road workers, who retired before the relevant date between 1st July, 1960, and 1st November, 1961, on which an increase in remuneration came into effect in relation to the class or grade to which the pensioner belonged.
Is the Minister aware that cases have occurred where the increase in pension has not been paid? Will he make representations to the local authorities where such cases occurred to have them paid at least before Christmas?
I am of the opinion from certain remarks that have been passed and questions raised here that quite a few have not been paid. If any Deputy is aware of any specific local authority or otherwise where they have not been paid, I shall be only too happy to get in touch with them.