asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will grant full parity of pension to pre-1968 public service widows.

I can assure the Deputy that the case for an increase in the rate of pension payable under the ex gratia widows' pension schemes in the public service will be reviewed in the context of the 1986 budgetary provisions for public service pay and pensions generally. However, as this is a budgetary question, the Deputy will, I hope, appreciate that I am not in a position to give a commitment in the matter at this time.

Does the Minister know offhand, or has he any details of what would be the cost of an increase to this grade? Would it be a prohibitive cost, because the present rate of pension is very low?

The present rate of pension is five-sixths and at present costs approximately £18 million. Therefore, to grant full parity would add another 20 per cent, or approximately £3.6 million, to the existing costs.