asked the Minister for Local Government whether, in view of the serious hardship suffered by local authority workers who went out on pension some years ago when wage scales, and therefore pensions, were considerably lower than at present, he will take steps to bring the pensions paid to these retired workers into line with the present cost of living.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Pensioners.
45.
Legislation is being promoted by the Minister for Finance for increases in pensions, including local authority pensions, to the extent indicated by the Minister when introducing the additional estimate for Increases in Pensions for the current year.
When may we hope to see the implementation of this increase in pensions to which the Minister refers?
I am afraid I cannot talk for the Department of Finance but I do know that they have been working on this legislation for some considerable time and that there have been certain difficulties which have now been overcome with regard to its drafting and that they do hope to have it in the near future—just how near I do not know. Assuming it is passed, then by circular letter I, as Minister for Local Government, would inform the local authorities that they might provide these pensions.
Will they be finished before Christmas?
So far as the authorisation from the Department of Local Government is concerned, that would be a relatively short procedure. It all depends really on the emergence of the proposals in the form of a draft.
May we anticipate retrospective payment?
I think it is provided that, as a result of the proposals by the Minister for Finance in the Budget, the increases would be with reference to, or could be with reference to, a date beginning on 1st August last. What the local authorities do in their particular cases is a matter over which I would not have control.