Richard Bruton
Question:232 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if the first phase of benchmarking has been paid to all public service pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21944/03]
Written Answers. - Benchmarking Awards.
As regards the Civil Service, for which I am directly responsible, the first phase of benchmarking has been applied to the basic pensions of the majority of civil service pensioners. There are a number of instances where increases have to be calculated on a case-by-case basis. My officials are in the process of carrying out this work as speedily as possible.
In the case of industrial civil servants, no agreement has been reached between the employers and the trades unions. When agreement is reached for serving industrial civil servants then the increases will be passed on to the relevant pensioners in the normal way.
The timing and arrangement for the payment of benchmarking increases to other public service pensioners is a matter for the relevant Ministers.