asked the Minister for Finance if he will state in respect of civil servants who retired after 5th May 1960 and who came within the terms of section 8 of the Superannuation and Pensions Act, 1963 (a) the number of cases in which he has exercised his discretion under section 8 (1) of the said Act, and (b) the number of cases which would qualify for increased pensions at his discretion, if exercised by him.

The number of cases in which I have issued directions under section 8 (1) of the Superannuation and Pensions Act, 1963, is 12, according to the available records.

As regards (b) of the Deputy's question, nine cases are at present under examination to determine whether a direction should be issued.