Vol. 242 No. 5
asked the Minister for Local Government to what categories of retired local authority employees the improved pensions referred to in the Budget will apply; when payment will be made; and whether the new rates will apply to former nurses of St. Luke's Hospital, Clonmel.
48.
asked the Minister for Local Government if it is proposed to increase the pensions of nurses who have retired from local authority service prior to 1962, as promised, in view of the fact that a pension of £235 13s per annum cannot be regarded as fair and equitable with the increased cost of living; and, if so, when.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 48 together.
The pensions increase referred to, which will be payable with effect from 1st August, 1969, will apply to all categories of retired local authority employees including former nurses. Under the terms of the increase the pensions of persons who retired before the general pay revision of 1st February, 1964, will be brought up to the level of the pensions of their equivalent colleagues who retired with the benefit of that pay revision if this would give them higher pensions than they have already. I expect to be in a position very shortly to give the necessary authorisation to local authorities for the payment of the increases.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
