Vol. 524 No. 2
239 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance if he will grant equality of rights on pensions of retired public service staff to any increase in future pay deals thus relating pensions to the salary such staff would have had if they had continued to serve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22251/00]
The Deputy will be aware that in An Action Programme for the Millennium, the Government undertook to protect public service pensions. To date, all relevant pay increases have been passed on to pensioners on the basis of parity, including the special pay increase of 2% under the Partnership 2000 agreement. The issue of pension increases generally is being considered by the Commission on Public Service Pensions at present. The commission is expected to submit its report before the end of the year. I look forward to receiving its recommendations and I will be considering future pension increases in that context.
