asked the Minister for Finance whether he has received applications for increased pensions from the various organisations representing former State employees, and, if so, if he will state the names of the organisations from which such applications were received; further, if he will expedite consideration of the matter.

I have received applications for increases in pensions from the following organisations representing former State employees, namely, the Association of Civil Service Pensioners, the Association of Higher Civil Servants, the Garda Síochána Pensioners' Association, and the Resigned and Dismissed R.I.C. Organisation.

I examined this matter very carefully when framing my Budget proposals for the current year but I did not find it practicable to make any concession: I shall consider the matter again when I come to frame next year's Budget.

Would the Minister consider the advisability of inviting the representatives of these organisations to his office in order to state a case and let them all come together?

I am well aware of the case which the organisations can make, but if, in fact, they require to state a case to any member of the Government, I am sure they will be received immediately.

I wonder would the Parliamentary Secretary consider the possibility of devising some system whereby the pensions of these State servants would be related to the increases in the cost of living without having each time to bring in separate legislation?

That is a separate question.

That would involve a number of matters as well as pensions.

It is a separate question.