asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider fixing the superannuation for midwives who are compulsorily retired by local authorities at a minimum of £4 weekly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Superannuation for Midwives.
26.
Pensions of retired local authority employees including midwives are increased in line with periodic increases in other public service pensions under regulations made by the Minister for Finance in pursuance of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1964. My function is to authorise local authorities to apply any increase provided for in such regulations and I have no power to fix pensions as suggested by the Deputy.
Does the Minister not consider that he would be in a position to advise a minimum pension at that rate? After all, it is small enough—£4 a week.
That would not be my function.
Is the decision entirely taken by the local authority?
Yes.