asked the Minister for Defence if he will state what is the cause of the delay in introducing the Defence Forces Pensions Bill, and if he can now state when it will be introduced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Pensions Bill.
The main cause of delay in promulgating a scheme of pensions under the terms of the Defence Forces Pensions Act, 1932, was due to the fact that certain provisions in the proposed scheme regarding non-commissioned officers and soldiers were affected by the enactment of the Widows and Orphans Pensions Act, 1935, and until these matters had been settled it was not found possible to deal with other points in the scheme regarding officers. These points are now the subject of inter-departmental consideration, and it is hoped that a definite decision will soon be reached so as to permit of the promulgation of the scheme at an early date.