asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a request from the Retired Civil Servants Association to grant pre-1968 widows of State servants the right to qualify for full pensions under the Civil Servants' Widows' and Orphans' Pension Schemes by making the necessary back contributions; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Servants' Dependants.
26.
Representations were received from the Retired Civil Servants Association about the inclusion of pre-1968 widows in the Civil Service Contributory Widows' and Children's pension scheme. These widows have, of course, been granted non-contributory ex-gratia pensions at half the rate of pensions under the contributory scheme. The question of their admittance to the contributory pension scheme has again been raised and is under examination at present.
Can the Minister say if the request is being considered sympathetically?
The matter is a little bit more complex than that. I met a deputation recently representing these people. They wish to be included in the contributory scheme as contributors. The contributory scheme is the result of lengthy negotiations and represents an agreement between the various staff associations on one side and the Government on the other. No substantial change can be made in that agreement without the consent of all parties. It is not entirely a matter for me, whether I am sympathetic or not. This has been explained to the people concerned. I understand they are making approaches to the association concerned so that the matter can be dealt with in the context of the agreement, and any necessary amendments.
Would it cost a lot to make up the back contributions?
A fairly considerable amount of money.