Following confusion over the issue, Government chief whip Pat Carey said the issue will require legislation.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Carey explained that it was his understanding that TDs will continue to receive their current increments, but that no further payments would be made.
However, the Taoiseach has said that the existing rights and entitlements of TDs will have to be considered in new legislation before the scrapping of the long service payments goes ahead.
Speaking in Ferbane in Co Offaly this morning, Brian Cowen said the intention was not to give an impression on Budget day that these measures would immediately come into force because legislation would be required for this change.
The Government would now have to consider how to deal with the situation in the future, he added.
Green Party leader John Gormley said that TDs and Senators should take the initiative and give up the increments and pension entitlements.
Minister Gormley said all party leaders can go to to their parties and say it is time to put up or shut up.
He said the payments are the type of thing that irk people and politicians can lead by example by giving them up.
