Brian O'Shea
Question:34 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Energy the last occasion on which forestry workers obtained an increase in their pension; and when it is intended to grant them a further increase.
Written Answers. - Forestry Workers Pensions.
Approximately 1,800 pensioners have received increases in their pension on various dates from October 1988 to take account of pay revisions which became due up to 1988. This number includes 400 widows of deceased forestry workers.
My Department will shortly commence a further revision of all pensions to take into account pay increase due for the years 1989 and 1990. Completion of this revision will take some time because several categories of forestry workers are involved, each with its own rate of pay and allowances, and assessment of entitlement is quite complex. I can assure the Deputy that the revision will be completed as soon as possible and that any arrears due will be included in the revised payments.