asked the Minister for Finance if, in relation to Garda pensioners, he will amend the regulations to grant parity of pensions with members currently retiring rather than with members retiring in 1964.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Pensioners.
11.
Mr. Dunne
Increases in Garda Síochána pensions must be considered in the context of increases in public service pensions generally. The question of increasing these pensions is one for consideration in connection with the preparation of the Budget and it is not possible, therefore, to give any decision in the matter at this stage.
Will the Minister consider the question of pensions generally because he knows his predecessor did give a promise of party some years ago?
Predecessor, my foot. It was this Minister who gave it.
The Minister's predecessor gave it and the Minister repeated it but Deputy Dr. Ryan definitely gave it before the Minister. I can produce the document and prove it but if the Minister himself says he gave it when will he honour it?
The question of parity of pensions is a very, very big issue and for the first time last year the Government accepted in principle the necessity of moving towards parity but it was last year for the first time that that decision was taken. It is a very expensive proposition and something that we can only move toward over a number of years, as I said last year.
I can show the Minister Dr. Ryan's speech of many years ago.
Wrong. He was a great Minister for Finance but he did not do that.
I do not agree with the Minister on either count.