asked the Minister for Finance if he will grant an increase in pensions to long retired members of the Garda Síochána, as there is a big difference between their pensions and pensions granted to members recently retired; and if he will increase the pensions of widows of gardaí.

54.

asked the Minister for Finance if he will make provision in the coming Budget so that all State pensioners including all teachers may have their pensions increased to the same rates of pension as those held by persons now retiring, in view of the rise in living costs and the hardships experienced by those whose incomes are fixed and who have to exist on their present pensions; and, if not, why.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions 53 and 54 together.

The question of increasing State pensions is one for consideration in conjunction with other matters appropriate to the Budget and it is, therefore, not possible at this stage to give any decision in regard to further pensions increases.

(Cavan): Can the Minister say when he intends to introduce the Budget?

That is a separate question.

Can the Minister say if it will be before or after Easter?

I cannot say that. When is Easter?

The 6th April. Can the Minister say if the Budget will be before or after we rise?