asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to introduce proposals for legislation to provide that soldiers who contract tuberculosis during their period of service and become unfit for service thereby will be entitled to receive a pension; and, if so, if he will state when it is likely that these proposals will be introduced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuberculosis—Soldiers' Pensions.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, Army personnel who contracted tuberculosis in circumstances attributable to service during the emergency period, are eligible for pensions under the Army Pensions Acts.
The possibility of amending these Acts to provide for cases where the disease is currently contracted in circumstances attributable to service is under consideration. I regret I cannot say, however, at this stage, whether or not legislation will be introduced to make the necessary amendment.
Is the Minister aware that this Act as at present operated is causing very considerable hardship, that cases have occurred where soldiers had, as portion of their service, service during the emergency and, on subsequent retirement, were found to be suffering from tuberculosis and are not in receipt of any pension or disability allowance in respect of it? In those circumstances would the Minister consider favourably the introduction of legislation?
I have stated in the course of my reply that the matter is under consideration.
Could the Minister say that, if he decides to take steps, he will take precautions to see that they are retroactive and that we will not have a small category of men left out of benefit owing to the fact that the new Act comes into operation as from the date of its passage into law?
I am sure all these matters will be considered.