Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin says legislation can't be brought in to reduce pensions of retired politicians - as they are constitutionally protected.
Pensions were reduced in 2009 through the FEMPI legislation.
Former Taoisigh, including Bertie Aherne and Brian Cowan, are in line to receive a 2 thousand euro increase on their 134 thousand euro pensions next year.
However amid calls for politicians to hand back some of their payments, Brian Cowan says he will not accept the increase.
Minister Howlin says although he would like to tackle the issue of large pensions, a cap can't be brought in:
