asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider increasing substantially the pensions of retired national school teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teachers' Pensions.
18.
Pension increases for retired national school teachers must be examined in the context of increases in public service pensions generally. This matter is one for consideration in connection with the Budget and it is not possible, therefore, to give any decision at this stage.
Would the Minister treat fairly the application for an increase for public service pensioners and grant them a substantial increase in the coming budget?
As I have indicated, it is not possible to say at this stage in advance of the budget what steps may or may not be taken.
Could the Minister say in advance of the Budget if consideration is being given to granting parity with the pensions of those now retiring, as was promised by his predecessor?
The Deputy is aware that some years ago it was agreed on behalf of the Government that we would accept the principle of parity but it was also stated at that time that it would take a number of years to reach it.
Over a few years. It was understood that what was meant was three years and that was 15 years ago.
That was not said.
I am afraid the Minister is not correct because the Minister's predecessor had promised it much earlier.
The Deputy said something like that before but I am afraid I shall have to ask him to substantiate it with a quotation.
It was stated by Dr. Ryan and I should be glad to give the Minister the information.
And I should be glad to see it because I am aware of what Dr. Ryan said but I am not aware of his having said what the Deputy said.
If he did not say it, would the Minister agree to give parity this year?
I shall consider that when the Deputy shows me the quotation.