The Public Expenditure Minister says any measures to reduce pension payments for retired politicians, would impact all state pensions.
In 2009 FEMPI legislation, brought in reductions to pensions due to the economic and financial crisis.
Former Taoisigh, including Bertie Aherne and Brian Cowen, are in line to receive a €2,000 increase on their €134,000 pensions next year.
Minister Brendan Howlin says he understands why people are annoyed to hear that former politicians are getting rises to their pensions:
The Tánaiste says retired politicians in receipt of substantial pension payments should consider giving back a pay hike.
Both the Finance Minister Michael Noonan and Taoiseach Enda Kenny have said a small number of former politicians should consider foregoing the increase.
While Fianna Fáil's finance spokesperson Michael McGrath has suggested that current legislation could be used to block former senior politicians from getting the pension increases.
Brian Cowen says he would have no problem giving up the pension raise.
Tánaiste Joan Burton says politicians getting large pensions should give something back:
