asked the Minister for Finance if he has yet been able to finalise the payment of arrears relating to some State and semi-State pensioners in the lower group; and whether he intends to do anything further for them.

I presume the question relates to payment of the pension increases announced in this year's Budget.

In the case of the Garda Síochána pensioners, the increased pensions were paid as from the 1st October last. Other Exchequer pensioners, such as civil servants and teachers, are, in general, paid monthly in arrears and pensions at the increased rates were paid as from the 1st November. Payment of increases to pensioners of semi-state bodies is a matter at the discretion of those concerns in the first instance.

I cannot say, at this stage, what further increases, if any, can be granted to public service pensioners.