asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that under the Pensions' Act, 1964, public service pensions are revised only on 1 July each year with the result that many pensioners do not receive pension adjustments, arising from appropriate pay adjustments, for up to 11 months after this adjustment occurs; and if he will arrange for a review of pensions more frequently than once a year.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Service Pensions.
12.
Over a number of years public service pensions have been increased from 1 July in each year to take account of current salary and wage levels. The pensions of retired local authority and health board employees are adjusted in line with these increases under regulations made by the Minister for the Public Service in pursuance of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1964.
Any more frequent pension adjustments would be a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Public Service.
Would the Minister not agree that it would be a holy and a wholesome thought if the present Minister would make representations to his colleague to have this anomaly, which is 16 years old, removed? Maybe I should have done it but I did not and perhaps the Minister would do what I omitted to do and have those people paid earlier than 11 months after the general increase to workers in the job they have left.
I will have a look at that.