andMr. Tunney asked the Minister for Education when the increases granted on the 1st July. 1974, to retired national and secondary come to decisions in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retired Teachers' Pay.
6.
Mr. R. Burke
Payments at the increased rates, together with the accumulated arrears from July, have already been made to retired national and secondary teachers.
Is the Minister aware that those payments were made only last week? Furthermore, can he tell us why there was a delay of five months?
Mr. R. Burke
This arose through the necessity to process the increases through the various sections of the Department, in particular the ADP section, and there was no avoidable delay.
Does the Minister agree, then, that pensioners should be left until last for payment of such arrears?
Mr. R. Burke
No.
Then why did it happen?
Mr. R. Burke
I have explained to the Deputy that the matters were given as much priority as could be given in terms of the available personnel of the Department.