asked the Minister for Finance if he will state whether it is intended to introduce proposals, at an early date, for the purpose of increasing the pensions payable to employees of the State who retired during the period of the emergency; and if so, whether he will state when such proposals will be laid before the Dáil.

As I indicated during the debates on the Budget it is proposed to introduce legislation to provide for the adjustment of the superannuation awards to or in respect of civil servants who retired or died during the period when the bonus portion of their salaries was stabilised.

I hope to introduce the necessary legislation during the present session.