asked the Minister for Defence if in view of the increase in the cost of living and the diminished value of money, he will review the service pensions of old IRA men so as to bring them to a realistic level in present-day terms.
47.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - IRA Service Pensions.
46.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will arrange that any permitted increases and all future pensions payable to old IRA men become effective as from 1st April each year.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 46 and 47 together. I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question put by him on 5th December, 1968. Any further increase in service pensions could be considered only in the context of general pension increases and would be effective from the date announced in the relevant Budget.
Did the Minister put the position of these members, who served the country so well and who are now given this miserable pittance, before the Minister for Finance so that he will bear them in mind when he is preparing his Budget for the coming financial year? Can I have an answer, please?
I am sure the Minister for Finance heard the Deputy.
Will you give me an answer, please?