asked the Minister for Finance if he proposes to increase the pensions of retired members of the Garda Síochána to bring them up to the present cost of living standards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Pensioners.
20.
It will be appreciated that the question of increases in Public Service pensions, including Garda Síochána pensions, is appropriate to the Budget and that no statement in the matter can be made at this stage.
If it was not already included, would the Minister add another paragraph to his Budget proposals tomorrow which would include provisions for an increase in pension for those Garda pensioners whose income has fallen away behind comparable Public Service pensions?
(Cavan): Arising out of the Minister's reply, could the Minister say if it is a fact that gardaí who retired in 1965 have not got any increase in pension since then?
In these matters we are pursuing parity. The general level of pension is that of 1964.
(Cavan): Having regard to the steep increase in the cost of living and the various rounds of wage increases which took place since then, would the Minister agree that is manifestly unjust?
I am sure I have got as many representations on this as the Deputy has.
(Cavan): Is the Minister going to do anything about it?
Am I right in thinking this limitation applies to all State retired personnel?
By and large, the level of pensions of those who retired prior to 1964 was brought up to the level of those who retired in 1964. That was done last year and it was a very considerable advance. When we make an advance of that sort we calculate roughly what the percentage is and we apply it generally.