asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will arrange for the payment of increases in pensions to public service pensioners at the same time as increases are paid to public service employees; and if he will make a statement on this matter.
Written Answers. - Public Service Pensioners Increases.
400.
The normal arrangement under which public service pensions are revised on 1 July each year by reference to the rates of pay in force on that date has been in operation for a number of years and is considered quite generous. As an exceptional arrangement I agreed that public service pensioners would have the 4.75 per cent first phase increase of the Public Service pay agreement paid to them with effect from 1 September last, i.e., at the same time as it was payable to serving employees. Other than that, any question of varying normal procedures would have to be considered in connection with the forthcoming budget.