asked the Minister for the Public Service if he proposes to change the present situation whereby pre-1968 public service widows do not have parity with post-1968 public service widows.
607.
Written Answers. - Pension Parity.
605.
asked the Minister for the Public Service the Government's policy in relation to parity of pensions being granted to pre-1968 public service widows.
608.
asked the Minister for the Public Service if parity of pensions will be granted to pre-1968 public service widows; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
609.
asked the Minister for the Public Service the estimated cost of granting parity of pension to pre-1968 public service widows.
With the permission, a Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 605, 607, 608 and 609 together.
The direct cost of granting ex-gratia widows pensioners parity with the contributory rate of pension would be about £2,400,000.
Public service ex-gratia widows are in receipt, free of charge, of pensions equivalent to 5-6ths of those payable under the contributory schemes, members of which pay contributions designed to meet one-half of the cost. No increase in the ex-gratia rate of pension is envisaged.