asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will grant full parity of pension to pre-1968 public service widows.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Service Widows' Pensions.
5.
The question of a further concession was considered in the context of the budget but it was decided that an increase could not be granted in present circumstances. The matter will be reviewed again as sympathetically as possible when next year's budget is being prepared.
Is the Minister aware that the last adjustment in the rate of pension payable to these widows was made under the previous Government and that since then they have had nothing but empty promises from Fianna Fáil Ministers about reviewing it sympathetically?
The Deputy appears to be somewhat behind the times, because the last adjustments were made in July 1979 and July 1977, both dates during the time of the Fianna Fáil Government.
How much would it cost to give them parity?
It would cost £1.84 million.
Does the Minister not think this would be better value than the £500,000 it would cost to create five new Minister of State posts?
There are other reasons and I am not aware that it will cost £500,000 to create the five extra posts.
Could the Minister confirm that the amount needed to restore full parity is dwindling all the time because these unfortunate widows are dying? Would he do something about it before they all die?
The Deputy can be assured that the Government will continue to do something about it. It was a Fianna Fáil Government who introduced this scheme and they are continually providing improvements.